Lucknow Super Giants Retain Overseas Gun and 4 Rising Indian Stars

Lucknow Super Giants have finalized their retentions for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, choosing a mix of 3 capped and 2 uncapped players. The retained players include Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi, along with uncapped talents Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni. KL Rahul, who has captained LSG since its inception in 2022, has been released due to his personal decision.

By retaining these five players, it is evident that Lucknow Super Giants are going to be less keen on bolsterling their bowling lineup in the auction as they have already retained Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi.

Overseas star: Potential Captain

1. Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran is the top retention for INR 21 crores. In IPL 2024, he was the second-highest run-scorer for LSG, just behind KL Rahul. He also served as interim captain and wicketkeeper during the first half of the season when Rahul was sidelined due to an injury.

Pooran, considered as one of the game’s top power-hitters, joined LSG in 2023 for INR 16 crore . Since his IPL debut in 2017, his value has steadily increased due to strong performances. Pooran is expected to play a key role for LSG in the 2025 season, bolstering their batting lineup and potentially stepping in as captain if needed.

Two capped Indian bowling talents

1. Mayank Yadav

Mayank Yadav has been retained by LSG for INR 11 crores. He made a strong impression in IPL 2024, winning two Player-of-the-Match awards in his first two games and consistently clocking speeds over 150 kph. Unfortunately, a side strain limited him to just four matches that season. Despite this setback, his performances caught the attention of the national selectors.

Acquired by LSG for INR 20 lakhs in the 2024 auction, Mayank has played four IPL matches and taken 7 wickets. Earlier this month, he was selected for the India squad for the T20I series against Bangladesh, where he made his debut and played three matches. Had he not been selected for this series, he would have remained uncapped and would have cost LSG less to retain.

Currently, Mayank is at the BCCI’s new Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. While his injury history may raise some concerns, LSG’s decision to retain him reflects their confidence in his potential as a future star for the team.

Also Read: BCCI Sends Stern Warning to Franchises before IPL 2025 Retention Deadline

2. Ravi Bishnoi

Ravi Bishnoi has been retained by LSG for INR 11 crores. Initially acquired for INR 4 crores ahead of the mega auction before IPL 2022, he made an immediate impact as an uncapped player. In his debut season, Bishnoi took 13 wickets at an economy rate of 8.44, helping LSG secure a spot in the playoffs. After making his international debut, he continued to excel in IPL 2024, claiming 16 wickets at an even better economy of 7.74, playing a crucial role in LSG’s playoff success.

However, last season was more challenging for him, as he managed only 10 wickets in 14 matches at an economy rate of 8.77. Despite this dip in performance, Bishnoi remains known for his ability to take wickets in the middle overs while maintaining a tight bowling economy. His contributions have been pivotal in LSG’s playoff qualifications in both 2022 and 2023.

Two emerging uncapped Indian Talents

1. Ayush Badoni

Ayush Badoni has been retained by LSG for INR 4 crores as an uncapped player. Originally acquired for INR 20 lakhs in the IPL 2022 auction, Badoni quickly became an important part of LSG’s success. Known for his aggressive batting in the middle order, he had his standout season in 2023, scoring 238 runs with a strike rate of 138 across 12 innings, often coming in lower down the order to accelerate the scoring. In IPL 2024, he scored 235 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 137.

Beyond his IPL performances, Badoni recently represented India A in the Emerging Series. His consistent growth over the past two seasons has convinced LSG to place their trust in him as they build their squad for the future.

2. Mohsin Khan

Mohsin Khan has been retained by LSG for INR 4 crores. The tall left-arm fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh made an immediate impact in his debut IPL season in 2022, taking 14 wickets at an impressive economy rate of under 6 in just nine matches. His strong performances positioned him as a potential candidate for the T20 World Cup that year. Unfortunately, he was sidelined due to a career-threatening injury that nearly cost him his arm.

Despite this setback, Mohsin made a comeback in the latter half of the IPL 2023 season, and in IPL 2024 he took 10 wickets in 10 matches. Like Ayush Badoni, LSG are placing their trust in Mohsin, and retaining him has not significantly affected their budget since he is an uncapped player.

Retention Strategy

LSG’s five retentions have cost them INR 51 crores, leaving them with INR 69 crores to spend in the upcoming auction. They also have one Right-to-Match (RTM) card available, allowing them to bring back any player of their choice. Reports suggest that even though KL Rahul has been released, LSG could potentially bring him back using this RTM option.

By retaining five key players, including Pooran, LSG has covered the wicketkeeper spot and will likely seek a backup option in the auction. They may even consider Rishabh Pant as a captaincy choice, which would let Pooran focus more on his batting. With Mayank, Bishnoi, and Mohsin already in the lineup, LSG has a strong foundation in bowling, reducing the need to spend heavily on bowlers in the auction. These three are expected to be essential members of the starting XI.

LSG will likely look to bring in both top-order and middle-order batters to complement Pooran and Badoni. They’re also expected to search for all-rounders, similar to how they used Stoinis last season.

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