LSG have arrived at a major decision as they are likely to release KL Rahul and retain Nicholas Pooran as captain.
As the clock ticks down to the IPL 2025 retention deadline, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise is gearing up to make some bold decisions that could reshape their team’s identity for the upcoming season. This retention period is crucial for LSG, a franchise that quickly built a reputation as a dynamic contender in the IPL after its debut in 2022.
LSG’s decisions will determine their auction purse, player lineup, and overall strategy for IPL 2025, setting the stage for how they approach the season. With a clear focus on empowering emerging talents and optimizing their core lineup, LSG’s moves are likely to stir interest and set benchmarks for other franchises.
This article delves into the major decisions surrounding LSG’s player retention strategy and what fans can expect as the team prepares to enter a new chapter in the league.
Since joining LSG in 2022, KL Rahul has served as both the team’s captain and a top-order batsman. Under his leadership, LSG reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons and established itself as a formidable side in the league.
However, reports suggest that Rahul may not be retained by LSG for the 2025 season, primarily due to his declining performance and growing concerns about his hefty price tag. Rahul’s release always seemed on the cards after an on-field incident between him and LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka last season, where the latter was seen lashing out at Rahul after a tough defeat.
Rahul’s release will free up a substantial portion of LSG’s salary cap, giving the team flexibility to make new additions.
While the final decision is yet to be announced, LSG is reportedly weighing its options for the upcoming auction. Releasing Rahul could open up valuable resources for the franchise, especially as they look to build a squad with more depth and versatility. But they could still arrive at a last-minute decision to continue their association, so stay tuned!
In a major shift, Nicholas Pooran is set to be retained as LSG’s top pick and is expected to take over as captain. Pooran, who was acquired by LSG in 2023 for a notable INR 16 crore, has consistently demonstrated his worth as a hard-hitting batsman and occasional wicketkeeper.
In the 2024 season, he played a pivotal role in LSG’s campaign, finishing just behind Rahul on the run charts with 499 runs to his name at a staggering average and strike-rate of 62.38 and 178.21 respectively. Additionally, he stepped up as an interim captain in the first half of the season when Rahul was sidelined due to a niggle.
Pooran’s skill set, which combines power-hitting and leadership potential, makes him an ideal candidate to lead LSG into the next season. A reliable middle-order batter, Pooran has built a reputation as one of the most explosive players in T20 cricket, capable of turning matches around in a matter of overs. His ability to adapt to various match situations and take on the responsibility of leading from the front will be crucial for LSG’s future endeavours.
Alongside Pooran, LSG has decided to retain two other capped players—fast bowler Mayank Yadav and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Both players have shown promising performances, and their retention aligns with LSG’s strategy of building a balanced squad with both pace and spin options.
Mayank Yadav, who made a powerful entry into the IPL scene in 2024 with his 150-plus kph deliveries, quickly caught the attention of selectors and fans alike. Despite being limited by a side strain last season, Mayank made a strong impression, earning a place in the national T20 squad. His raw pace and aggression bring a unique dimension to LSG’s bowling attack, giving them an advantage against any batting lineup.
Ravi Bishnoi, on the other hand, has been an integral part of LSG since the franchise’s formation. Picked up as an uncapped player in 2022, Bishnoi has since made a name for himself in the international circuit. In his debut season, he took 13 wickets and followed it up with consistent performances in subsequent years. Although his wicket tally dropped to 10 in 2024, his knack for breaking partnerships and controlling the run flow remains invaluable to the LSG bowling lineup.
Among the uncapped players, LSG will retain Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni, both of whom have been instrumental in the franchise’s journey since 2022. Their retention reflects LSG’s commitment to nurturing young talent and investing in players who show potential for long-term growth.
Mohsin Khan, the tall left-arm pacer from Uttar Pradesh, has faced several challenges in his career, including a near-career-ending injury that sidelined him in 2023. Despite this setback, Mohsin made a remarkable comeback, delivering solid performances in the latter half of the 2023 season and maintaining his form in 2024. His ability to generate bounce and swing makes him a challenging bowler, especially in the powerplay and death overs.
Ayush Badoni, an aggressive middle-order batter, emerged as a valuable asset for LSG in the 2023 season with a strong strike rate and consistent contributions. His participation in the India A squad for the Emerging Asia Cup has further honed his skills, making him a versatile batter capable of adapting to various match situations.
Badoni’s growth as a finisher is particularly notable, as he adds depth to LSG’s middle order and can change the game’s dynamics in the final overs. Moreover, he has also improved significantly as a bowler, delivering match-winning performances with his spin bowling recently in the Ranji Trophy and the Emerging Asia Cup.
With the retention of these five players, LSG’s purse for the IPL 2025 auction will be significantly impacted. According to IPL retention guidelines, a deduction of INR 51 crore from LSG’s INR 120 crore auction budget will apply, or possibly more if the aggregate amount exceeds this limit. This leaves LSG with an estimated auction purse of INR 69 crore.
Also Read: RCB Face Major Retention Dilemma as Fresh Report on Cameron Green Emerges After Spine Surgery
Additionally, LSG will enter the auction with one Right to Match (RTM) card, a valuable tool that allows them to retain a released player if they wish. This RTM card offers LSG an opportunity to re-sign a player they might release but still view as valuable for their future plans.
With their remaining budget and the RTM card, LSG’s auction strategy will likely focus on filling key positions vacated by Rahul and fortifying their lineup with players who can provide consistency and impact. With INR 69 crore at their disposal, LSG has ample financial flexibility to compete for top-tier players, enhancing their chances of building a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
(Prasenjiit Dey has been working as a sports journalist for about a decade. You can follow him on X and instagram.)
