Lucknow Super Giants : With the 2025 IPL Mega Auction approaching, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have finalized their retentions, making some surprising and bold decisions. The franchise parted ways with KL Rahul, who led the team for three consecutive seasons, choosing instead to focus on a fresh core. Despite Rahul’s departure, LSG retained a few strategic players, signaling a clear approach for the upcoming season.
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The retained squad for LSG includes Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Ayush Badoni, and Mohsin Khan. These players cover a range of skills, from top-order batting to bowling, giving LSG a solid foundation to build upon in the auction. With a purse of Rs. 69 crore, LSG has significant spending power to target new talents and strengthen their roster for IPL 2025.
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Here’s an in-depth look at LSG’s retained players, their roles, and how this shapes the franchise’s plans heading into the mega auction. Lucknow Super Giants
Key Retentions and Their Impact
Each of the retained players brings unique strengths, and their retention reflects LSG’s approach to balancing youth, experience, and versatility for the 2025 season. Lucknow Super Giants
- Nicholas Pooran – ₹21 crore: Pooran’s retention at Rs. 21 crore highlights his importance to the team as a power-hitter and an experienced international player. Known for his explosive batting and ability to change the game in the middle overs, Pooran brings valuable stability to LSG’s lineup. His wicketkeeping skills also add depth to the team, giving them flexibility in team composition. Retaining Pooran signifies LSG’s commitment to having a strong, impactful presence in the middle order.
- Ravi Bishnoi – ₹11 crore: Bishnoi, a young leg-spinner with immense potential, has been a consistent performer for LSG. His ability to take wickets at crucial moments and contain runs makes him a valuable asset in the middle overs. Bishnoi’s retention at Rs. 11 crore reflects LSG’s belief in nurturing young, Indian talent. Given the impact that quality spinners can have in T20 cricket, Bishnoi’s presence strengthens LSG’s bowling attack.
- Mayank Yadav – ₹11 crore: Yadav, known for his pace and accuracy, is a key player in LSG’s bowling lineup. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and handle pressure situations makes him an essential asset for the team. Retaining Yadav shows LSG’s intention to invest in a reliable domestic bowler who can consistently perform in high-stakes games. His retention also ensures that LSG has a solid Indian presence in the pace department.
- Ayush Badoni – ₹4 crore: Badoni, a young and promising all-rounder, offers flexibility to the team with his batting and part-time bowling skills. Known for his fearless approach, Badoni has shown flashes of brilliance in past seasons. His retention at an economical Rs. 4 crore is a strategic move, allowing LSG to keep a versatile player who can contribute in various roles. Badoni’s presence adds depth to the batting lineup and provides an additional bowling option if needed.
- Mohsin Khan – ₹4 crore: Khan’s retention is a testament to LSG’s emphasis on developing young, talented players. Khan, a left-arm pacer, adds variety to LSG’s bowling attack, which is valuable in T20 cricket. His ability to bowl in both the powerplay and death overs gives LSG a balanced bowling lineup. At Rs. 4 crore, retaining Khan is a cost-effective move that strengthens the team’s bowling unit and ensures a stable Indian core.
Auction Strategy and Team Composition
With a solid retained core, LSG heads into the auction with Rs. 69 crore, allowing them ample flexibility to fill critical gaps in the lineup. Here are the areas LSG will likely prioritize: Lucknow Super Giants
- Top-Order Batsman: With KL Rahul’s departure, LSG will need a dependable opener who can anchor the innings. They may target an experienced top-order batsman who can provide stability while building partnerships with aggressive middle-order players like Pooran.
- All-Rounders: While Badoni provides some all-round ability, LSG could benefit from an established all-rounder to offer balance and adaptability. A player who can contribute both with the bat and ball would enhance the team’s ability to handle varied match situations.
- Death Bowler: Although Yadav and Khan strengthen the bowling lineup, LSG may seek a specialist death bowler who can deliver consistently under pressure. This addition would reduce the reliance on young bowlers in the final overs, ensuring a more versatile bowling attack.
- Wicketkeeper-Batsman: While Pooran can keep wickets, LSG may look to add a secondary wicketkeeper who can step in when needed. This would provide a backup option and offer flexibility in case of injuries or rotation needs.
LSG Squad Summary and Auction Budget
Retained Players : Lucknow Super Giants
- Nicholas Pooran – ₹21 crore
- Ravi Bishnoi – ₹11 crore
- Mayank Yadav – ₹11 crore
- Ayush Badoni – ₹4 crore
- Mohsin Khan – ₹4 crore
Remaining Budget: Rs. 69 crore
Prospects for IPL 2025
The Lucknow Super Giants’ retention strategy for IPL 2025 highlights a balanced approach. By retaining a mix of experienced players like Pooran and promising young talents like Bishnoi, Yadav, and Badoni, LSG has set a strong foundation for their team. The release of KL Rahul is a bold move, but it opens up opportunities for the franchise to build a fresh top order and pursue impactful players in the auction.
LSG’s core squad reflects their focus on having a balanced bowling attack, with Bishnoi and Khan adding variety, while Pooran strengthens the batting lineup. The auction will likely focus on filling gaps, particularly in the top order and finding a seasoned all-rounder who can complement the retained players. With Dhoni’s tactical acumen and the franchise’s history of shrewd auction decisions, CSK is well-positioned to build a squad capable of competing for their fifth IPL title. Lucknow Super Giants
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Conclusion
The Lucknow Super Giants have retained a solid foundation ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. By letting go of KL Rahul, they have made room for new strategies and opportunities. Their retentions, comprising a mix of international stars and emerging Indian talents, reveal an intent to focus on a balanced and adaptable team structure.
Heading into the auction with a significant budget, LSG is well-positioned to target key players and strengthen their squad for a successful season. Fans can expect an exciting lineup as LSG aims to improve on last season’s performance and make a deeper impact in the IPL 2025 campaign. Lucknow Super Giants
