New Delhi: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have reportedly finalised their retentions ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. All ten franchises are in the final stages of negotiations as they look to confirm their retentions before the deadline on October 31. LSG have made a bold call to part ways with their captain, KL Rahul, ahead of the mega auction.
As per a report in ESPN Cricinfo, LSG are set to retain star wicket-keeper batter Nicholas Pooran, Indian pacer Mayank Yadav and Indian spinner Ravi Bishnoi as their top three retentions. The franchise will also retain two uncapped players – Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan. They have decided not to retain Rahul, barring a last-minute change of mind.
As per the report, Pooran is all set to be LSG’s top retention followed by Mayank and Bishnoi in the 2nd and the 3rd spot respectively. While the exact amount for the three players is not known yet, a total sum of Rs 51 crore will be deducted from the franchise’s purse for their top three retained players. If the three players have been retained for a sum higher than Rs 51 crore, the higher amount will be deducted from LSG’s purse.
Pooran has been one of the top performers with the bat for LSG ever since joining the franchise in IPL 2023. He has amassed 857 runs for the franchises in 29 matches at an average of over 42 and an excellent strike rate of over 175. Pooran was the second-highest run-getter for LSG in IPL 2024 behind only Rahul and also led the team as the stand-in skipper.
Mayank, on the other hand, has witnessed a remarkable rise ever since making his debut for the franchise in IPL 2024. The young pace sensation, who can clock 150kph consistently, impressed straightaway with 7 wickets in 4 matches before being sidelined due to a side strain. Mayank has already been fast-tracked into the Indian team and made his T20I debut against Bangladesh earlier this month.
The Delhi pacer who was signed by LSG for Rs 20 lakh, is set to become their 2nd choice retention at Rs 14 crore. Bishnoi, one of the best young spinners in the country at the moment, has been a vital cog in LSG’s bowling attack and is set to get retained in the third slot. Bishnoi is the leading wicket-taker for LSG with 39 wickets in 43 matches.
KL Rahul set to be released
LSG are set to let go of Rahul, who was their top marquee signing ahead of their IPL debut in 2022. Rahul had joined the franchise for Rs 18 crore and was handed over captaincy. Under him, LSG qualified for the playoffs for two successive seasons in 2022 and 2023 before failing to make it to the top four last year.
Rahul is LSG’s leading run-getter of all time with 1410 runs from 38 matches. However, their have been questions about his strike rate and his ability to up the ante when required. Rahul’s sluggish run last season is one of the biggest reasons behind LSG deciding to move on from him as captain. Nonetheless, the Indian wicket-keeper batter is expected to trigger a bidding war at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
