At just 20 years old, Arshin Kulkarni is already earning strong trust from an IPL franchise. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have retained the young pace-bowling all-rounder for IPL 2026 at ₹30 lakh, a clear signal that the team sees something special beyond numbers.
Born on February 15, 2005, the Maharashtra cricketer is a right-handed batter and right-arm medium pacer, steadily building his reputation through consistent domestic performances. Even with limited IPL exposure so far, his journey is moving in the right direction.
🏏 IPL Retention: Faith Over Numbers
Arshin featured in two matches during IPL 2024, scoring 9 runs (9 off 7 vs KKR, 0 off 1 vs MI) and didn’t pick up a wicket. On paper, the stats look modest. But LSG’s decision to retain him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction tells a deeper story.
The franchise sees Kulkarni as a long-term investment, especially for lower-middle order batting depth and seam-bowling flexibility. Being retained alongside players like Rishabh Pant and Ayush Badoni highlights LSG’s growing focus on young Indian talent.
🔥 Domestic Cricket: Where He Truly Shines
Kulkarni’s real strength lies in domestic cricket.
In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he averaged over 95, with a strike rate above 80
107 vs Punjab
90 vs Vidarbha
In the Ranji Trophy, he impressed with both bat and ball, scoring 87 vs Jammu & Kashmir and taking key wickets against Services.
His standout moment came in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26, where he smashed an unbeaten 89 off 54 balls vs Hyderabad, guiding Maharashtra to a memorable chase.
Recent SMAT contributions included scores of 14 vs Goa, 23 vs Uttar Pradesh, and economical bowling spells like 0/18.
List A: 197 runs at 98.5 average, highest score 107
🌟 Earlier Achievements
In the Maharashtra Premier League 2025, Kulkarni starred for Eagle Nashik Titans, scoring 77 in the final to win their maiden title and earlier producing a stunning 117 with 4 wickets in a single match. At the U19 World Cup, he hit a century against the USA and contributed with the ball vs Nepal.
🚀 What’s Next?
With clean hitting, calm temperament, and controlled seam bowling, Arshin Kulkarni looks ready for an IPL breakthrough. If his domestic form continues, a bigger IPL role — and even India A chances — may not be far away.
