The Lucknow Super Giants are poised to retain a core group of players ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. Key figures such as Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi will be part of the retained squad, along with the uncapped talents Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni. This strategic decision comes as KL Rahul, the franchise's captain since its inception, may not return, marking a significant shift in the team's leadership dynamics. Lucknow Super Giants will retain a right-to-match card during the auction, allowing for last-minute adjustments, although the current likelihood of retaining Rahul appears slim.
The financial implications of these retentions are noteworthy, as it is anticipated that INR 51 crore will be deducted from Lucknow's allotted auction budget. The total amount dedicated to the five retained players remains undisclosed, but IPL regulations stipulate that if their accumulated salaries surpass this threshold, the higher figure will be deducted from the franchise's total purse of INR 120 crore. This careful financial planning is essential as the franchise aims to build a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level.
Nicholas Pooran stands out as the highest retention among the selected players. In the previous season, he emerged as one of the top run-scorers, trailing only KL Rahul on the leaderboard. Pooran's versatility was on display as he served as both captain and wicketkeeper during Rahul's absence due to injury. Known for his exceptional power-hitting abilities, Pooran's journey in the IPL began in 2017 when he was initially purchased by the Mumbai Indians for INR 30 lakhs. His market value has steadily increased over the years, reaching INR 16 crore when he joined Lucknow Super Giants at the beginning of the 2023 season. This exponential rise underscores his status as one of the leading batsmen in the league.
Mayank Yadav, another vital piece of the Super Giants' future, showed his potential in the IPL with two Player-of-the-Match awards in his first two outings. He made a notable impression with his ability to clock deliveries exceeding 150 km/h. However, an untimely side strain limited him to just four appearances in the previous season. Following his brief stint, he earned a call-up to the national setup and was subsequently bought by Lucknow for INR 20 lakhs during the latest auction. In total, Yadav has participated in only seven T20 matches, including his international debut in a recent series against Bangladesh. Currently, he is honing his skills at the BCCI's newly established Centre of Excellence located in Bengaluru.
Ravi Bishnoi's trajectory since his inclusion in the Lucknow franchise has also been commendable. Retained for INR 4 crore before the mega auction of IPL 2022, Bishnoi made an immediate impact, helping the Super Giants secure a playoff berth in his debut season, where he claimed 13 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 8.44. His consistent performance continued into 2023, with Bishnoi ranking among the top wicket-takers with 16 scalps at a stellar economy of 7.74. However, his performance in the subsequent season saw a decline, capturing only 10 wickets in 14 matches. Nevertheless, his track record suggests he remains an essential bowler for Lucknow moving forward.
The uncapped options, Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan, have demonstrated significant potential and are critical to the squad's future. Badoni, primarily an aggressive middle-order batsman, had a standout season in 2023, where he accumulated 238 runs at a strike rate of 138 across 12 innings. His inclusion in the India A squad for the Emerging Series further underscores his progression as a talented cricketer.
On the other hand, Mohsin Khan, a 6'3" left-arm fast bowler, made a significant impression in IPL 2022 by pocketing 14 wickets with an economy rate below six in just nine games. Despite facing a life-threatening injury that jeopardized his career, Mohsin demonstrated resilience by returning to the field and finishing the 2024 season with 10 wickets in 10 matches. His sharp bowling skills and previous IPL performance make him a valuable asset for LSG's bowling lineup.
Overall, the retention of these five players highlights Lucknow Super Giants’ commitment to building a competitive and strategically focused team for IPL 2025. The careful selection of established players and emerging talents reflects their ambition to make a significant impact in the tournament. With a combination of seasoned performers and promising newcomers, the franchise is setting the stage for future success in the highly competitive landscape of Indian cricket.