Mayank Yadav becoming a capped player has created financial issues for LSG, but retaining him appears to be the most viable option.
Mayank Yadav’s recent debut for India has dramatically changed his standing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) now face a challenging decision regarding his future in the squad.
Before his international debut, Mayank Yadav was regarded as an uncapped player, which meant that LSG could have retained him for the upcoming IPL 2025 season at a cost of INR 4 crore. However, his debut during the India-Bangladesh T20I series has shifted him into the “capped player” category, significantly complicating LSG’s retention strategy.
Under the IPL’s new retention rules, capped players are subject to a higher retention fee. For LSG, this means that to retain Mayank, they would need to allocate at least INR 11 crore from their auction purse. This is the minimum retention price for capped players, as per the current structure, where the highest retained player earns INR 18 crore, and the second-placed player is valued at INR 14 crore.
Mayank’s debut couldn’t have come at a more delicate time for LSG. His ability to bowl consistently at over 150 km/h makes him one of the most promising fast bowlers in the country. Naturally, this ability makes him highly sought after, and releasing him into the auction pool could prove risky.
If LSG were to release him and attempt to bring him back via the Right to Match (RTM) card, it could trigger a bidding war, given the scarcity of bowlers with his pace. Teams are always on the lookout for raw pace, and Mayank’s ability to generate express speed would undoubtedly attract substantial interest from rival franchises, driving his price potentially far beyond the INR 11 crore mark.
In light of these factors, retaining Mayank for INR 11 crore seems like the safer, albeit more expensive, option. LSG must consider that his value in the open auction could surge past that figure, making it financially prudent to lock him in at the set retention price.
Moreover, Mayank’s international experience will only enhance his stature as a key player for the franchise, and losing him to a competing team could weaken LSG’s fast-bowling arsenal.
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Additionally, LSG’s retention strategy will need to account for other big names on their roster. Players like KL Rahul, who commands INR 18 crore as their highest-paid player, and Nicholas Pooran at INR 14 crore, are non-negotiable retentions for the franchise. Given this, Mayank Yadav would likely slot into the third retention spot at INR 11 crore, rounding out a trio of key players.
Even if KL Rahul opts to leave LSG, the franchise will opt to pick Pooran and Marcus Stoinis as their first two retentions, leaving the option open for Mayank to be the third retention again.
While LSG has the option to exercise the RTM card if they release him into the auction, the risks associated with this strategy cannot be ignored. The bidding process could spiral, with all teams potentially vying for his services.
Mayank Yadav’s ability to bowl over 150 km/h is a rarity, and franchises are always eager to bolster their pace attack with such talent. The RTM option, although tempting, could end up costing LSG significantly more than the INR 11 crore retention price, a gamble that the franchise might want to avoid.
Another crucial factor to consider is the long-term investment Mayank Yadav represents. At just 21, his career is in its early stages, and securing his services for the foreseeable future would solidify LSG’s fast-bowling department. His raw pace and potential for growth make him a valuable asset, and the INR 11 crore investment could be viewed as a cornerstone for the franchise’s future success.
While Mayank Yadav’s elevation to a capped player has created financial challenges for LSG, retaining him appears to be the most viable option. Given the potential for a bidding war in the auction and his future growth prospects, LSG would do well to lock him in as a key player in their squad for IPL 2025 and beyond.
