source : Google
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) gears up for its 2025 mega auction, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise has made strategic changes to their squad. One of the most notable moves is the retention of West Indies star batsman Nicholas Pooran, marking him as the franchise’s top pick. Pooran has signed a retention deal worth ₹18 crore, emphasizing his growing role and value to the team. This retention follows his strong performances over the past two seasons, where his explosive batting has significantly bolstered LSG’s lineup.
Nicholas Pooran’s Rise and Role at LSG
Since joining LSG in 2023 for INR 16 crore, Pooran has shown his prowess with impressive statistics. In the 2023 season, he scored 358 runs at a strike rate of 172.94, followed by an even stronger performance in 2024 with 499 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 178.21. His consistency and power-hitting abilities have earned him a top retention salary of INR 18 crore for 2025. Besides batting, Pooran also brings leadership potential and wicketkeeping skills, making him a versatile and invaluable asset to LSG.
LSG team owner Sanjiv Goenka praised Pooran’s adaptability and winning mindset, noting, “Pooran is committed to LSG, possesses a winning mindset, thinks deeply, and above all, he is adaptable to any batting order and match situation.”
KL Rahul Released by LSG
LSG has also made the significant decision to release former captain KL Rahul. Rahul initially joined the franchise as a draft pick during their debut season and played a crucial role in their early successes, even leading the team to the playoffs in 2022. Despite his contributions, Rahul’s recent performances were inconsistent. After scoring only 274 runs in the 2023 season and a moderate 520 runs in 2024, LSG decided not to retain him due to performance and leadership issues, with Goenka expressing disappointment following their loss against SRH.
LSG’s Strategy for IPL 2025 Auction: INR 69 Crore Purse
With Pooran retained as their top pick, LSG has also chosen to keep key players Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Ayush Badoni, and Mohsin Khan. Retaining these players costs LSG INR 51 crore, leaving them with a substantial auction purse of INR 69 crore. This budget will allow them to target up to 15 new players to build a robust squad. The franchise will also have one Right-To-Match (RTM) card available to potentially reclaim a key player during the auction.
Retained Players: Profiles and Contributions
Mayank Yadav: Known for his blistering pace, clocking 150+ km/h deliveries, Mayank made a strong impression despite being limited to four matches in 2024 due to injury. His talent has already attracted the attention of the BCCI, and he’s training at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Ravi Bishnoi: A mainstay of the LSG bowling unit, Bishnoi’s retention follows his consistent wicket-taking capabilities. He was instrumental in LSG’s playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023, though his form slightly declined in 2024.
Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan: Both uncapped players have proven to be valuable assets for LSG. Badoni, a middle-order batsman, had a standout season in 2023 with 238 runs at a strike rate of 138, while Mohsin, a left-arm fast bowler, rebounded impressively in 2024 after recovering from a severe arm injury.
Looking Ahead
With Pooran leading the charge, LSG’s roster reflects a balanced mix of experience, youth, and raw talent. As they enter the 2025 IPL auction with an impressive budget and clear retention strategy, the team appears poised for a competitive season. The upcoming auction will reveal how LSG completes its lineup, aiming to build on past performances and achieve their first IPL title.
LSG fans eagerly anticipate seeing the refreshed squad in action, with Nicholas Pooran at the forefront, ready to drive the team’s success in IPL 2025.
