Kaif noted that LSG’s uncapped leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi has overtaken Bishnoi in the team hierarchy. Rathi was LSG’s leading wicket-taker in 2025, claiming 14 wickets in 13 innings at an economy rate of 8.25. Speaking during a live session on his YouTube channel, Kaif said:
“Bishnoi will surely be released; you take it in writing. The reason is they now have another leg-spinner, Digvesh Rathi. He has booked a place for himself in the Lucknow team, and Rishabh Pant has shown a lot of faith in him. If I see who the captain likes more between Bishnoi and Rathi, it is clear that Rishabh Pant has backed Rathi.”
Kaif also highlighted that LSG will need a big auction purse for IPL 2026, as several areas in their squad need strengthening. He added:
“The problem they have now is with Indian batters. They need to find some players for that role and will have to move forward by releasing unfit youngsters. They don’t have a fast-bowling unit, and now they don’t have enough spinners either, as I think Bishnoi will be released. They will free up money by releasing these players and will do what Punjab used to do at the auction.”
LSG, led by Rishabh Pant, had a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, winning six out of 14 games and finishing seventh on the points table.
Kaif on Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 Auction Strategy
Kaif also shared insights on Punjab Kings (PBKS), suggesting that the franchise may part ways with Australian all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, though he expects the team to release few other players.
“Ricky Ponting rates Maxwell very highly. However, I think they might have to leave Maxwell and Stoinis. Apart from that, they have a complete team. I don’t think they will release a lot of players. They used Stoinis as their fifth bowler, and faced a lot of issues due to that. He takes a wicket here and there, but leaks runs regularly.”
PBKS were runners-up in IPL 2025. Maxwell, signed for ₹4.20 crore, scored just 48 runs in six innings at an average of 8, while picking up four wickets at an economy of 8.46. Stoinis, bought for ₹11 crore, managed 160 runs in 11 innings and claimed one wicket in nine innings.
