NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka revealed that the franchise were very keen to sign Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana in the IPL 2026 mini auction.
Both captain Rishabh Pant and vice-captain Nicholas Pooran were pushing for his inclusion, especially after LSG’s bowling struggles last season.
Budget limit halts Pathirana deal
Goenka admitted that LSG were prepared to go up to ₹17.8 crore for Pathirana, but that was the “absolute limit” they were willing to spend. Once the bids crossed that figure, LSG chose not to push further due to budget constraints.
“Yes, our captain and vice-captain were both very keen on Matheesha Pathirana, as was I. We were also very interested in Anrich Nortje. Pathirana was our priority, and we went up to INR 17.8 crore, which was our absolute limit, we didn't have the purse to go beyond that,” Goenka said to NDTV.
Shifting focus to other targets
With Pathirana slipping away, LSG focused on Anrich Nortje at his base price, strengthening their fast-bowling options. Goenka described the signing as a “pleasant surprise” and praised the team’s auction strategy.
“When Anrich Nortje came up later, we were pleasantly surprised and delighted to secure him at the base price. So overall, it was a very considered, concerted, and well-thought-out decision,” he added.
