As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are yet to make a final decision on whether they will retain their captain, KL Rahul as per The Indian Express. Rahul, currently playing in the India vs. New Zealand Test series, has been at the centre of speculation following a challenging season.
Last year, LSG suffered a 10-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, and a post-match exchange between Rahul and team owner Sanjiv Goenka was caught on camera, sparking rumours about Rahul’s future with the franchise.
Despite the controversy, Goenka has previously described Rahul as “integral” to the team and even referred to him as “family” at an event in August, where former cricketer Zaheer Khan was introduced as the team’s new mentor. However, the final decision regarding Rahul’s retention remains uncertain.
Nicholas Pooran likely to stay with LSG for IPL 2025
On the other hand, West Indian powerhouse Nicholas Pooran is expected to remain with the team. Pooran’s explosive form, particularly his unbeaten 93 off 43 balls in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), has solidified his value to LSG. His ability to provide stability while accelerating the innings makes him a key player in the T20 format, and the franchise is likely to count on his power-hitting skills for IPL 2025.
Uncapped players Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan set for retention
LSG is also planning to retain uncapped players Ayush Badoni and pacer Mohsin Khan. Both players have impressed with their performances and have become valuable assets to the team. Mohsin Khan, in particular, has caught the attention of many with his pace and wicket-taking abilities, while Badoni has shown promise as a versatile middle-order batsman.
Speculation on KL Rahul future with LSG
KL Rahul’s journey in the IPL has been eventful, starting with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013 before moving on to Sunrisers Hyderabad and later Punjab Kings, where he emerged as one of the most reliable batsmen in the league.
However, his stint with LSG, which began in 2022 after a Rs 17 crore acquisition, has been under scrutiny, especially after the incident with Goenka during the 2024 season.
Rumours were circulating that KL Rahul could be on the move once again, possibly rejoining his former team, RCB. This speculation has been fuelled by the lack of clarity on his retention status and his association with LSG in recent months.
Key Decisions Await for Lucknow Super Giants
With the IPL 2025 auction drawing near, LSG will have to make some crucial decisions. While Nicholas Pooran and their two uncapped players are likely to stay, KL Rahul’s future with the team remains in question. The coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the team’s strategy as they look to build a competitive side for the upcoming season.
