The IPL 2025 auction is actually going to be a ‘mega’ one for sure. After all, the Indian superstar KL Rahul will be up for grabs! Why? Well, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are set to release him ahead of the IPL 2025 retentions. While the retention deadline is October 31, Insidesport can confirm that the current LSG skipper is not in the plans for the Rajiv Goenka-owned franchise.
No KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran the top pick for LSG
Instead, LSG are set to lock in Nicholas Pooran as their prime retention at Rs 18 crore. The West Indian southpaw has been hammering runs for fun in recent times, even ending up as the highest run-getter with 504 runs at a strike rate of just below 170 on tough wickets in CPL 2024. With no KL Rahul, Pooran might also be looked at as a potential captaincy candidate, provided LSG don’t get any big Indian name in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
As for KL Rahul, there have been many reports previously as well that stated the disconnect between him and the franchise. One must mention that LSG’s owner, Sanjiv Goenka, had a verbal spat with Rahul last season after a devasting loss to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Both have since claimed there is no issue between them, but one has to wonder how much factor that played in LSG moving ahead of KL Rahul. While Rahul has been LSG’s highest run-getter with 1410 runs, his overall strike rate of 130.6 has been ordinary. What’s more concerning is his SR of 119.15 in the powerplay overs in IPL since 2020.
Ravi Bishnoi and Mayank Yadav going nowhere!
With no KL Rahul, LSG are bound to have a some Indian core. That’s why they are about to announce their retention of Ravi Bishnoi and Mayank Yadav. Bishnoi, who has been in and out of the current Indian team, has delivered decently for LSG. With 39 wickets at an economy rate of just above 8, Bishnoi is the highest wicket-taker for them. His acquisition will mean that LSG won’t have to go and splash money on a premium wrist spinner.
The speedster Mayank Yadav is about to get that Rs 11 crore in his pocket! Although he has made his India debut now, 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.
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Badoni, Mohsin: Uncapped picks for LSG
BCCI has allowed franchises to retain a maximum of two uncapped players from their IPL 2024 squad. And the Lucknow franchise are going to place their bet on Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan. Just like Mayank Yadav, both Badoni and Mohsin have been the finds of LSG as well. The franchise has supported and granted them opportunities season after season.
Badoni, who has played a couple of great knocks for LSG already, has upped his game even more in recent times. While he played all matches of the ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup as well, Badoni hit 522 runs at an immaculate strike rate of 225 across just nine innings at the recent Delhi Premier League (DPLT20).
As for Mohsin Khan, he could be an awesome strike partner alongside Mayank Yadav. 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.
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
(Note: While the official statement has not been announced, Insidesport can confirm that these players would be LSG’s IPL 2025 Retentions).
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