Josh Inglis links up with LSG in Mumbai ahead of May 4 game

Josh Inglis, whose auction deal became a central point of debate due to conflicting versions regarding his availability for the ongoing season, has arrived in India. The Australian has, in fact, landed in Mumbai and will be available for selection for Lucknow Super Giants' game against Mumbai Indians on May 4. His savage assault against Jasprit Bumrah was one of the defining moments of Punjab Kings' IPL 2025 season.

Inglis had stirred controversy by declining retention from Punjab Kings, citing limited availability this season due to personal reasons. The decision triggered a sharp reaction from a PBKS co-owner, who labelled the Australian unprofessional. Inglis was with PBKS for a rather modest fee of INR 2.6 crore. Lucknow Super Giants bought him at the auction for INR 8.6 crore and reports then emerged that he could arrive earlier than initially expected.

That, of course, did not happen, but his arrival now appears well-timed for LSG, who have been struggling at the bottom of the table with two wins from eight games - just like Mumbai Indians, their opponents in Monday night's clash at Wankhede Stadium.

Inglis (31) has taken Bumrah for 52 runs off 34 deliveries across two matches. In particular he took Bumrah apart in PBKS' win in Qualifier 2 last year, smashing 20 runs in a single over. Inglis's presence should bolster LSG against a Bumrah-led Mumbai Indians attack.

The wicketkeeper-batter is expected to train with the LSG squad at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday evening. In 11 matches, Inglis has scored 278 runs at a strike rate of over 162, including one half-century.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed to Cricbuzz that Azmatullah Omarzai will rejoin the Punjab Kings squad on May 7. The Afghan all-rounder had returned home following the demise of his mother, and the team paid tribute to her by wearing black armbands during their home game against Rajasthan Royals on April 28. Omarzai, bought for INR 2.6 crore, has not featured in any game for Punjab Kings this season.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer mourned his teammate's loss. "On behalf of the whole team, I just want to convey our heartfelt condolences to Azmat and his family. We are with him through thick and thin," the PBKS captain said in a gesture of solidarity at the toss of the April 28 game.