Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) retained as many as five players ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were among the most consistent sides in the previous cycle, qualifying for playoffs twice in three attempts. However, the last season didn’t go according to the plans, for they failed to qualify for the next round for the first time since their admission.
Hence, they made some big decisions ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, the biggest being releasing KL Rahul. Apart from him, LSG also left out a few other players who were a crucial part of the unit in the previous squad.
Lucknow Super Giants retained as many as five players ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. They kept Nicholas Pooran at INR 21 crores and might look at him as their captain in the upcoming cycle.
Other capped players include Mayank Yadav, retained at INR 11 crores, and Ravi Bishnoi at INR 11 crores. They have used both uncapped retention slots to retain Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni at INR 4 crores each.
Since Lucknow Super Giants retained five players before the auction, they will have one RTM available to use. Teams are allowed to retain/RTM a maximum of six players, with one of them necessary to be an uncapped player.
It’s important to note that LSG can’t use RTM on any uncapped player during the auction since they have already retained two uncapped players, and the rule allows teams to retain/RTM a maximum of two uncapped players only. Hence, LSG have one RTM to use on any capped player.
Lucknow Super Giants have three main options to use RTM use on – Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, and Quinton de Kock. Stoinis is a solid pace-bowling all-rounder who is a hard-hitter of the ball and can be flexible with his batting position. Further, he can bowl hard lengths in the middle overs and consistently give at least two overs.
Meanwhile, Krunal Pandya is a spin-bowling all-rounder who contributes decently with both bat and ball. He is a defensive spinner who can bat anywhere in the middle order, but his recent returns have regressed.
Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock is a wicketkeeper batter who opens the innings and provides an LHB dimension at the top and supreme skillsets vs pace. He can be the aggressor at the top and utilise the powerplay, while his recent form has been good.
Hence, LSG will have to choose from one of these three players, and a lot will depend on how their squad has shaped up by the time they come and the budget left. All three players are quality and offer unique skillsets, so it will be interesting to see whom they use RTM on.
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