Lucknow Super Giants have welcomed an important new arrival ahead of a pivotal IPL 2026 encounter, with Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis linking up with the squad for Monday’s match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. The 31-year-old, whose presence had been under discussion since the auction, has now reached India and begun training with the team. Inglis had earlier indicated that he would miss a portion of the campaign due to personal commitments, including his wedding in Western Australia on April 18, a factor that had left his availability uncertain.
Even after early doubts, Lucknow moved to bring him into their setup, securing his services for Rs 8.6 crore following his release from Punjab Kings, where he had been paid a considerably smaller amount. While his late arrival prompted fresh questions, his inclusion is viewed as a timely boost for LSG, who find themselves languishing at the bottom of the points table, having managed just two wins from eight matches.
Inglis’s arrival is expected to add much-needed stability to a batting unit that has struggled to find consistency throughout the season, particularly from overseas batters. With contributions from a few key players proving limited so far, the Australian’s aggressive approach could be the kind of impetus Lucknow require to lift their performances at the crunch stage.
LSG confirmed the development across social media with a post featuring the line “Explosives from Down Under.” The move also brings a player with recent pedigree, as Inglis finished the previous IPL with 278 runs in 11 innings, striking at a rate above 160. His ability to deal with high-quality pace is seen as especially relevant for Monday’s challenge, given Mumbai’s fast-bowling unit is spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah. Inglis has previously shown he can thrive against the Indian speedster, including during an important moment last season when he faced Bumrah.
Monday’s Wankhede fixture pits two sides looking to regain momentum, with Mumbai Indians too enduring a difficult run. As this will be the ninth match for each team, the result could carry added weight for both franchises in shaping their path toward the playoffs. With a packed stretch looming—followed by games against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings later in the week—Lucknow will be hoping Inglis can make an immediate impact and help them start turning their season around.
