Josh Inglis has finally touched down in India after the debate around his auction move turned into a talking point over his possible availability for the current IPL season. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter has arrived in Mumbai and is set to be available for selection when Lucknow Super Giants take on Mumbai Indians on May 4. Inglis’ brutal batting, including his impact against Jasprit Bumrah, stood out during Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 campaign.
Inglis had also drawn criticism after choosing not to be retained by Punjab Kings, pointing to limited availability for personal reasons during the season. That call sparked a strong reaction from a PBKS co-owner, who questioned Inglis’ professionalism. Inglis had been part of PBKS for a fee of INR 2.6 crore, before Lucknow Super Giants secured his services at the auction for INR 8.6 crore. Earlier reports suggested he might arrive sooner than expected, but that timeline did not materialise—though his current arrival appears to be arriving at a crucial moment for LSG.
Lucknow are battling near the foot of the standings, having managed just two wins from eight matches, while Mumbai Indians—Luznow’s opponents on Monday night at Wankhede Stadium—sit in a similar situation. Inglis, now 31, has already put Bumrah under significant pressure, scoring 52 runs off 34 balls against him across two meetings. He was particularly destructive in the PBKS win in Qualifier 2 last year, where he struck 20 runs in a single over off Bumrah.
With a high-impact middle-order option arriving, LSG will be looking for Inglis to add extra thrust against a Mumbai attack led by Bumrah. The wicketkeeper-batter is expected to train with the Lucknow squad at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday evening. In 11 matches so far, Inglis has amassed 278 runs at a strike rate of over 162, including one half-century, giving LSG a reason to feel optimistic about his immediate value.
Azmatullah to return on May 7
It has also been confirmed that Azmatullah Omarzai will rejoin the Punjab Kings squad on May 7. The Afghan all-rounder had returned home after the death of his mother, and the franchise paid tribute by wearing black armbands during their home match against Rajasthan Royals on April 28.
Omarzai, who was bought for Rs 2.6 crore, has not played any match for Punjab Kings this season. Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer marked the occasion with condolences for his teammate, saying at the toss on April 28: “On behalf of the whole team, I just want to convey our heartfelt condolences to Azmat and his family. We are with him through thick and thin.”
