Aaron Finch advises LSG to let go of pace duo ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Former Australian cricketer Aaron Finch feels Lucknow Super Giants should release the likes of Mayank Yadav and Avesh Khan ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The cut-off date for franchises to declare their list of retained players is November 15.

Finch commented on the injury-prone nature of the pacers and opined that LSG would be better of not retaining the two fast bowlers.

"Rishabh Pant, it's a lot of money to pay for one player, hold. Mayank Yadav has had a lot of injuries, does not seem to be on the park when it matters, so I am going to fold. Avesh Khan, there are injury concerns, so is he going to be fully fit or is he going to be at his best? So, I am going to have to fold," stated Finch in an interaction with Star Sports.

He also provided his opinion on the players who should be backed by the management. Finch went ahead with four players other than Rishabh Pant. He included only one out-and-out bowler in the form of Akash Deep in his choice. 

"David Miller, he is a match winner, has the power player role towards the death overs, so I am going to hold. Akash Deep is inconsistent, but at his best, he is very good, so I'll hold. Hold for Mitchell Marsh because we have seen him play more of T20 cricket and his destructiveness at the top of the order will be a real asset. Nicholas Pooran is a very, very good player, dangerous player, so hold, every day of the week. There is no one more destructive when they are going," he added.

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LSG should release Mayank Yadav before IPL 2026: Chopra

For the unversed, Mayank had been retained for INR 11 crore ahead of the mega auction for IPL 2025. He played only a couple of matches before a back injury ruled him out of the tournament. On the other hand, Avesh was bought from Rajasthan Royals at the mega auction. He picked up 13 wickets in as many matches at an economy rate of 10.28.