Pant Demanded Pathirana? Goenka Reveals LSG's IPL 2026 Auction Strategy!

• LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka revealed Rishabh Pant and vice-captain were keen on Matheesha Pathirana for IPL 2026 auction.
• Pathirana was LSG's top priority, leading to a fierce bidding war with KKR and Delhi Capitals.
• LSG bid up to INR 17.8 crore for Pathirana, but KKR secured him for INR 18 crore, exceeding LSG's budget limit.
• After missing Pathirana, LSG successfully acquired Anrich Nortje at his base price, a "considered and well-thought-out decision."
• LSG's auction blueprint aimed for a quality international leg-spinner (Wanindu Hasaranga) and a reputed fast bowler (Pathirana/Nortje), acquiring both.

Why It Matters: LSG pursued Pathirana aggressively on Pant's demand but secured Nortje and Hasaranga, satisfying their auction goals.