LSG retains Nicholas Pooran ahead of IPL 2025. Will KL Rahul make a comeback? Find out the full retention list and LSG's auction strategy here!
However, when the IPL 2025 season beckons all our attention will be on Lucknow Super Giants and the massive retention decisions that they are to take. In a shocking move, LSG has retained just three players from their squad, as per a report by The Indian Express. Most likely not a surprise is the retention of explosive West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran, but more shocking has been the exclusion of Indian captain KL Rahul from the very first list of retention.
Nicholas Pooran Retained as the Key Overseas Player
Nicholas Pooran is probably one of the most vital retention for LSG. He was tremendous in IPL 2024, scoring 499 runs, which came at an average of 62.38 and a strike rate of 178.21. The continuity that he offers in the middle order along with that final over finish makes him a complete asset for LSG .
Retaining Pooran was not a tough call for the franchise, considering that there was always a big demand for overseas players in the IPL auction. Not winning games is somewhat of a potential weakness that Pooran has shown - mostly in such pressure situations - where he became one of the most sought-after T20 players across the globe.
LSG Look to Young Stables: Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni
The LSG has also put faith in its young Indian core by retaining uncapped talents Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni.
One of the promising fast bowlers, Mohsin Khan, garnered considerable attention in the previous season due to his repertoire of speed and accuracy. With ten wickets in nine matches, it wouldn't be at all surprising if he repeats those performances once again under pressure. He has been bought for a mere ₹20 lakhs but has already vindicated his worth and is surely going to be hunted for a key role in the bowling lineup of the team.
The batting department has retained Ayush Badoni, who has had a steady campaign. He does well scoring 235 runs in the tournament, with a high score of 55 not out*. India A participation in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 further justifies retaining him. With these two players in the balance sheet, LSG is set to head into IPL 2025 with both young talent and experience.
The Big Question: Where Is KL Rahul?
Perhaps the biggest surprise from LSG's retention list is that their captain, KL Rahul, will not feature for the team. Since the formation of LSG, he has been a guiding force, and there have been some on-field spat rumors with owner Sanjiv Goenka.
Still, hope is not lost for KL Rahul and LSG. His RTM card would be used for him to be brought back as skipper at the IPL 2025 auction. He is crucial to Indian cricket and, even on a terrible run of late, remains on the cards for LSG if they wish to have him again sometime in the future.
Remaining Wallet Balance of LSG during the IPL 2025 Auction
If Lucknow Super Giants retained Pooran, Mohsin Khan, and Ayush Badoni, then they would have exhausted ₹26 crores of their auction purse. Pooran is the only capped player. He costs ₹18 crores whereas both Mohsin and Ayush Badoni are uncapped and will come for ₹4 crores each.
This leaves LSG with a whopping ₹102 crore in their auction kitty, out of the permitted maximum permissible ₹120 crore for IPL 2025 teams. If they do revert their decision and retain KL Rahul, then ₹14 crore will be deducted from it, leaving them with ₹88 crore. This is a sizeable budget and will provide LSG with financial flexibility to make a few significant additions to the squad and look for a better finish than their disappointing show last season: 7th place.
What's in Store for LSG in the IPL 2025?
Retention of Pooran, Mohsin, and Badoni will do good to Lucknow Super Giants to take on the new season of IPL 2025. However, the real drama will be when the team goes into the mega auction. With a huge purse and a chance to re-sign KL Rahul, the LSG has the potential to build nearly an unstoppable line-up that can really make for a challenge to the title of IPL.
But the middle order stability and a deep bowling attack are just some of the things that the team has to work on before it will be able to do better than before. So, expect them to make their moves at the auction and the fans awaiting to see how the Team LSG shapes up for the season.
