Some big changes are bound to happen for LSG ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were among the most consistent teams in their initial two seasons since admission to the competition in 2022. However, the last edition didn’t go well, for they failed to qualify for playoffs for the first time.
They could only win seven games and ended in the seventh position with only 14 points. They made many mistakes throughout the competition and suffered an early exit.
Hence, some big changes are bound to happen ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. We analyse the retentions and releases of LSG.
Nicholas Pooran: Among the finest batters in T20 cricket at the moment, Nicholas Pooran must be LSG’s first retention without any doubt. A terrific player of pace and spin, Pooran is a quintessential middle-order batter, who can bat in any situation. Further, he is also a wicketkeeper, providing dual value.
His performances with the willow were fabulous in the previous two editions. Given his expertise, Pooran will fetch a massive amount in the auction, and LSG might not get him back. Hence, LSG should retain him.
Marcus Stoinis: Marcus Stoinis should be LSG’s second retention before the auction. Stoinis contributes with both bat and ball, and the best thing is that his bowling value doesn’t reduce due to the Impact Player rule. Stoinis is a solid player against pace and can be flexible with his batting position.
Further, he consistently gives at least two overs with the ball. He can bowl into the pitch at various speeds, making him a decent middle-overs bowler. His auction value will be massive, so LSG should retain him.
Mayank Yadav: Mayank Yadav should be the third retention of LSG ahead of the auction. Ideally, LSG would have liked to retain him as an uncapped, but he has become capped after making his debut in the Bangladesh series. But given what he offers to the team, Mayank should still be LSG’s retention, even if they have to pay more than twice.
He is an express pacer with massive potential and will be a long-term investment for LSG. Such speedsters are always in demand in the auctions, for they are rare. Hence, LSG should not risk letting him come to the auction.
Ayush Badoni: Ayush Badoni was among the most exciting youngsters in the previous cycle. However, LSG didn’t use him precisely in any of the seasons, so they didn’t get the most out of him. Still, they should retain him ahead of the auction.
LSG get a solid middle-order batter who can be a long-term investment for the team at just INR 4 Lakhs. Further, his game vs pace and spin is developing, and he can bat in different gears. He can also bowl a bit.
Mohsin Khan: Mohsin Khan is among the most talented left-arm pacers in the country. He is a bona fide wicket-taker with the new ball, for he can move the ball both ways. Further, his bowling in the other two phases is also improving, for he has shown ample control over his bouncers and yorkers.
Given that he brings variety to the table, Mohsin will be a sought-after player in the auction. An all-phase bowler who can be a long-term investment will always be in demand. Getting him at just INR 4 crore is a steal.
KL Rahul: As surprising as it may sound, KL Rahul and LSG might part ways ahead of the next season. Despite getting a hefty sum, Rahul’s performances weren’t impactful. His strike rate wasn’t close to the normal standards, leading to the team ending with below-par scores.
Further, his captaincy didn’t reap the desired results. There were reports of rifts between him and LSG owners during the last season. Expect LSG to release him.
Krunal Pandya: Krunal Pandya might be another big name LSG might release ahead of the auction. While an all-rounder, Pandya doesn’t really provide enough value in any department. Yes, he can bowl defensive overs and chip in with useful runs with the bat.
However, his value might still not be close to the retention slab. He doesn’t provide significant value in any department, and his recent T20 game hasn’t been encouraging. LSG can use RTM to get him back if his price is reasonable.
Ravi Bishnoi: Ravi Bishnoi was among the best bowlers for LSG in the previous cycle. Even his recent form has been really good, and he is a genuine wicket-taker. However, LSG might still release him for two main reasons.
Firstly, several leg-spinners will be up for sale in the auction, so Bishnoi’s value will reduce slightly. Further, if LSG retain him, they will go in without any RTMs, which might not be a good idea. Given their top three retentions are set, they would have to give Bishnoi INR 18 or 14 crores, and Bishnoi won’t get sold for anywhere near this price in the auction, so LSG can re-bid for him during the auction.
Naveen-ul-Haq: Naveen-ul-Haq was another quality performer for LSG. But he might still not be worth enough to use a retention slot or give an amount equal to the retention slab. Like in Bishnoi’s case, they must spend INR 18 or 14 crores on Naveen.
They can easily get him back from the auction at a lower price. Several better overseas pacers than Naveen will be available in the auction. Hence, LSG can also get an upgrade by saving the purse.
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