IPL 2026: Did LSG make a mistake by releasing David Miller?

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) released veteran finisher David Miller ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, which is scheduled to be held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. December 16 is the date for the highly-anticipated event.

Miller was roped in by LSG for INR 7.5 crore at the IPL 2025 mega-auction. This was after his former franchise Gujarat Titans decided not to match the bid for him. The southpaw was expected to perform a key role as the finisher of the team which had excellent top-order batters like Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran in their ranks.

However, after performing splendidly for three back-to-back seasons for Gujarat Titans, Miller had a rare blip at his new franchise in IPL 2025. He scored just 153 runs in 11 innings at an average of 30.60 and a strike rate of 127.49. His highest score was just 27*.

Will it cost LSG big time to release David Miller ahead of IPL 2026 Auction?

Now. the important question is whether LSG made an error by sending Miller into the auction. To answer this, it is crucial to go back to last season. In IPL 2025, Miller had to be left out of the side in favour of an overseas pacer as LSG's plan to deploy an all-Indian bowling attack wasn't working. They had also been struggling with injuries to their key pacers throughout the season. The likes of Shamar Joseph and William O'Rourke played for them at different stages to bolster the bowling department.

Still, the bowlers leaked runs and were the main reason behind LSG failing to make the playoffs. However, they have already started addressing the issue by roping in the experienced Mohammed Shami through trade from Sunrisers Hyderabad.

When in form, Shami is as good as any overseas pacer. This could allow LSG to continue with an all-Indian pace attack in IPL 2026 and that is how Miller could have featured in the XI. While there are finishers like Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni in the LSG setup, no one comes close to Miller in terms of experience in that role.

Also, Markram had a magnificent campaign in IPL 2025. However, if he doesn't get going, LSG could have Marsh opening the batting with the in-form Arshin Kulkarni. This could free up an overseas slot. Miller could have ideally played in the middle order in that case.

LSG have retained Matthew Breetzke, who is also a top-order batter, who can also slot into the middle order. However, he is not a finisher. Therefore, retaining Miller could have given the LSG setup a different dimension.

However, there is aways a possibility of LSG re-signing Miller at the auction. If the 36-year-old is available for a lower price than his previous salary, the Rishabh Pant-led side should try to bring him back.