IPL 2026: Josh Inglis’ exit from Punjab Kings ahead of the IPL 2026 auction quickly turned into one of the most discussed stories of the season. What seemed like a straightforward release soon became a confusing situation involving timing, availability, and mixed signals, especially after Lucknow Super Giants picked him up for a much higher price.
LSG go big on Inglis after Punjab release
Lucknow Super Giants signed Inglis for INR 8.6 crore, which was INR 6 crore more than what Punjab Kings had paid for him a year earlier. PBKS had bought the Australian wicketkeeper-batter for INR 2.6 crore at the previous mega auction, and he repaid that faith with strong performances.
Inglis played an important role in Punjab’s impressive IPL 2025 campaign, helping them reach their first final in 11 years. Captain Shreyas Iyer even adjusted his own role, moving down from his preferred No. 3 position to make room for Inglis in the batting order.
The decision paid off. Inglis scored 278 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 162.57. One of his most memorable knocks came in the playoffs, where he took on Jasprit Bumrah and helped Punjab secure a spot in the final. Given his impact, most fans and experts expected him to be retained.
Why Punjab Kings chose not to retain Josh Inglis
That retention never happened, and according to PBKS owner Ness Wadia, the reason came down to a very late update from the player.
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Wadia said Inglis informed the franchise just 45 minutes before the retention deadline on November 15 that he would not be available for most of IPL 2026. With his wedding coming up and plans to rest afterward, PBKS were told he would only be able to play a handful of matches.
Explaining the decision, Wadia said:
“I think everyone knew when the retention was coming, and we were informed by him 45 minutes before the deadline that he was getting married and needed time to relax and recuperate. He said he was going to be available only for a couple of weeks. We told him he should have informed us earlier. I don’t think it was very professional of him. I don’t think it is very professional of anyone if they know there is a deadline. You can’t call someone 45 minutes before and say, ‘Hey, I’m not coming,’ especially when he knew that we were retaining him.
“But I wish him all the best. He is a good player and I am sure he will do well for Australia. And let’s see whether he plays in the IPL or not. I wish him all the best because he is a fellow human being. But the manner in which he behaved was not very professional.”
Bidding war raises new questions
Despite the uncertainty around his availability, Inglis attracted strong interest at the auction. Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad entered a bidding war, with LSG eventually winning him for INR 8.6 crore, more than three times what Punjab had paid the previous season.
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This surprised many, as Punjab had been told that Inglis would only be available for a short period late in the tournament. With IPL 2026 scheduled from March 26 to May 31 and his wedding set for April 18, his plans appeared to limit his time in the league.
SRH suggests plans can change
Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling coach Varun Aaron added more intrigue after the auction, hinting that player availability is not always fixed and can evolve.
He explained:
“Look, he obviously was going to be out for personal reasons. And that’s always subject to change. You never know – people can make different decisions once the auction is done. So, we thought that with the relationship Dan (Daniel Vettori) and he have, he could maybe convince him to play a few extra games. And that’s where it came from,”
With Daniel Vettori as head coach and Pat Cummins leading the side, SRH clearly felt there was a chance Inglis might reconsider and stay longer if circumstances allowed.
Inglis shares his perspective
Inglis later spoke about the situation while on Test duty in Adelaide, admitting he did not expect to be picked at the auction at all.
He said:
“Well, I sort of watched a lot of it (auction) and I was pushed back in the pecking order. I don’t have full availability this year. I’m getting married in early April. So, I didn’t really expect to go, to be honest. So I sort of saw my name go by unsold. The first one I was like ‘alright stuff this, I’m going to bed’ and I need to switch on for tomorrow (Adelaide Test) and then woke up to the news. I didn’t know until I’d seen a few messages this morning.”
What lies ahead for Josh Inglis at LSG
Recent reports suggest Josh Inglis may now be available for a longer stretch during IPL 2026. The revised plan could see him play at the start of the tournament, step away briefly for his wedding, and then return afterward, possibly delaying his honeymoon.
At Lucknow Super Giants, Josh Inglis will also reunite with Justin Langer, under whom he previously played at the Perth Scorchers. Whether his stint is short or extended, his IPL 2026 journey is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched storylines of the season.
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