The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made a bold decision and stirred a hot pot after opting to release KL Rahul from their IPL 2025 retentions. Following the infamous animated chat between LSG skipper and owner Sanjiv Goenka, the relationship between Rahul and the franchise has gone downhill.
Simultaneously, LSG kept Nicholas Pooran for a whopping Rs 21 crore, hinting that they might make him the new captain. Ravi Bishnoi and Mayank Yadav are the other two capped signings at Rs 11 crore each. However, LSG utilizes the full quota of the uncapped players, keeping both Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan. Hence, among all the franchises, LSG’s bowling department looks sorted after the IPL 2025 retentions. After retaining five talents, LSG have just one Right To Match (RTM) card remaining with them.
With the mega auction slated to happen on November 24-25, we have made a “Dream XI” for the Lucknow Super Giants. Below, we have put the best possible combination that the LSG could pick at the auction. While we know that no one can predict what happens at an IPL auction, it’s important to note that this is a purely speculative exercise. On that note, let’s hop into it!
LSG: 1) Quinton de Kock (WK) (O)
With several wicket-keepers up for grabs at the auction, Quinton de Kock might not possibly attract huge bids. And this is where LSG could cash in. The Protea batter scored 901 runs at a SR of 143.24. While he may have past his peak, De Kock is still a threatening commodity. As an overseas opener, the South African has an experience of 369 T20 matches. He will provide great starts to LSG and his RTM price might not be that expensive as well.
LSG: 2) Venkatesh Iyer
Here comes an interesting choice. Venkatesh Iyer fits in the LSG mold, who like to have multi-faceted players. Although he has not bowled enough in the IPL, Iyer is a player with great potential. LSG could benefit by using his cutters and medium pace bowling at the Ekana. In total, the ex-KKR player has played 51 IPL games, making 1326 runs at an average of over 31.
LSG: 3) Sameer Rizvi
A left-field choice but Sameer Rizvi is a local player, and has all the potential to be a superstar. He hogged the limelight in the last year’s edition of the UPT20, leading up to a massive paycheck at the IPL mini auction. CSK splurged INR 8.40 crore to have the hard-hitter onboard. Coming into the IPL, he made his presence felt by hitting Rashid Khan for a six on debut. Unfortunately, his opportunities were limited and he scored just 51 runs from five innings during which he faced 43 deliveries. Even in the recent UPT20 2024, he made 468 runs at a SR of 152.44.
LSG: 4) Nicholas Pooran (O)
Possibly LSG’s new captain, Nicholas Pooran is an out-and-out match-winner. He has been retained at a whopping INR 21 crore, with LSG moving on from KL Rahul. Pooran could even bat at number three, something he did at the CPL 2024, where he made 504 (the most) at an average of 56.00 and at a SR of 169.70. There is no batter who enjoys a better SR for LSG than Pooran (175.97).
LSG: 5) Glenn Maxwell (O)
To partner Pooran in the middle order we have Glenn Maxwell. If LSG fail to get back Marcus Stoinis, Maxwell should be an interesting choice. While he is an absolute beast in range-hitting, Maxwell’s off-spin could be a handful at LSG’s home matches. Maxwell has 173 wickets in 303 T20 innings, that too at an excellent economy rate of 7.79. His addition would also bring a much-needed experience in the batting order.
LSG: 6) Ayush Badoni
The newly made Delhi state team’s captain, Ayush Badoni has been entrusted by LSG, who have retained the batter for Rs 4 crore. The uncapped talent possesses huge abilities. He can strike the ball long and is even an effective spinner. At the DPL T20 tournament, Badoni took his team to the final as he made 522 runs at an incredible average and SR of 58.00 and 225.00, respectively. One of his innings saw him rack up 165 off 55. In his last competitive game, Badoni even clubbed a double century.
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LSG: 7) Wanindu Hasaranga (O)
The last overseas player for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) should be Wanindu Hasaranga, who could form a lethal spin duo with Ravi Bishnoi. Hence, buying Wanindu Hasaranga would be so crucial for LSG. He will not only lead the spin attack but is a capable batter too. In franchise cricket this year, the Sri Lankan has 35 wickets in 22 innings and 340 runs at SR of 160.4.
LSG: 8) Ravi Bishnoi
It was a shrewd move by LSG to retain Ravi Bishnoi for Rs 11 crore. After all, he is one of India’s premier T20 spinners currently. He is the highest wicket-taker for LSG, having taken 39 scalps at a bowling SR of 22.79 in 42 IPL innings. Bishnoi, who is also a gun fielder, is a consistent leg-spinner and adds huge value, not just at the Ekana Stadium but even at batting-friendly grounds.
LSG: 9) Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Another UP star in the team, Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be an ideal pick for LSG. He would not only spearhead an inexperienced pace attack, Bhuvi would know how to operate at every ground. He stands on the verge of 300 T20 wickets, notwithstanding his economy of 7.30. While Mayank Yadav will operate with his express pace, Bhuvi would consistently hit that disciplined line and length.
LSG: 10) Mayank Yadav
The speedster Mayank Yadav has Rs 11 crore in his pocket! Although he made his India debut prior to IPL retentions, otherwise LSG could’ve retained him for only Rs 4 crore. Nonetheless, his quality and potential is top notch. LSG have invested in him and they are bound to receive their dividends on India’s pace sensation. Despite bowling just 73 balls last season, he grabbed attention by rattling opposition batters from his 150+ kmph pace, striking a wicket in every 10.4 balls. Mayank Yadav’s retention totally makes sense, providing LSG an X-factor in their pace department.
LSG: 11) Mohsin Khan
Another Rs 4 crore retention, Mohsin Khan could be an excellent strike partner to Mayank and Bhuvneshwar. After all, Mohsin is the highest wicket-taking pacer for LSG with 27 wickets at a superb bowling SR of 18.00. He had a superb IPL 2022 before injuries plagued his next season. Recently, Mohsin starred in the UPT20 league, claiming 15 wickets in 11 innings at a frugal economy rate of just 6.95.
- Impact Player: Prithvi Shaw/Khaleel Ahmed
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Dream XI at IPL 2025 Auction
LSG retention list for IPL 2025
Retention No. 1 (Rs 18 crore) – Nicholas Pooran
Retention No. 2 (Rs 14 crore) – Ravi Bishnoi
Retention No. 3 (Rs 11 crore) – Mayank Yadav
Retention No. 4 (Rs 4 crore) (uncapped) – Ayush Badoni
Retention No. 5 (Rs 4 crore) (uncapped) – Mohsin Khan
Retention No. 6 (RTM) – Depending upon team permutations and combinations during the mega auction
Purse left – Rs 69 crores
