IPL 2025: Lucknow Super Giants Likely to Retain Pooran, Mayank, and Bishnoi Amid Potential Squad Reshuffle
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), a prominent team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), are reportedly preparing for significant changes as they approach the 2025 season. With the mega auction on the horizon, LSG is expected to retain West Indies star Nicholas Pooran, promising bowler Mayank Yadav, and talented spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Alongside them, uncapped players Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni are also slated to remain part of the squad. However, the franchise is rumored to part ways with their former captain and star batter KL Rahul, who has been central to the team since its inception in 2022.
Pooran, Yadav, and Bishnoi’s retention appears to be part of LSG’s strategy to maintain a balanced core while also providing flexibility for new additions at the auction. As per reports, the cumulative retention costs are anticipated to impact the franchise’s overall purse, reducing it by INR 51 crore. Should this amount exceed the initial INR 51 crore, the difference will be subtracted from LSG’s total budget of INR 120 crore, impacting their auction strategy. ESPNcricinfo suggests that Pooran, retained at a high cost, will be LSG’s priority pick, followed by Mayank Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi, who have each shown immense potential in recent IPL seasons.
LSG has yet to officially confirm the retention amounts for these players, but Pooran’s retention, acquired for INR 16 crore ahead of the 2023 season, is anticipated to be one of the franchise’s most significant financial commitments. Known for his powerful batting and match-winning capabilities, Pooran could very well be among LSG’s costliest retained players. Speculation also surrounds the possibility of Pooran stepping into a leadership role, particularly if the franchise opts not to retain KL Rahul. In Pooran, the Super Giants see not only a fierce hitter but also a potential skipper who could steer the team into the 2025 season with renewed momentum.
Mayank Yadav’s retention seems well-justified given his early impact in the IPL. His debut season in 2024 included two Player of the Match awards in his first couple of games, with his raw pace—clocking in at 150 km/h—making him a valuable asset. Despite his promising start, Yadav’s season was marred by injuries, limiting his participation to just four matches. LSG’s management hopes his recovery will enable him to have a more consistent and productive season in 2025, should he be retained.
Ravi Bishnoi, another highly-regarded player in LSG’s roster, has consistently contributed with his leg-spin, offering LSG a dependable bowling option, especially in crucial overs. His wicket-taking ability and control have made him a mainstay in the team, and he continues to impress both fans and analysts alike. Bishnoi’s retention would solidify LSG’s bowling lineup and enhance the team’s overall depth, particularly if they undergo significant roster changes.
One of the biggest shifts anticipated in the LSG lineup is the departure of KL Rahul. Having led the Super Giants since the franchise joined the IPL in 2022, Rahul’s future with the team now appears uncertain. While his leadership brought stability and experience to the squad, his performance and injury issues in recent seasons may have influenced LSG’s decision to explore alternatives. Should Rahul exit the team, LSG will have the flexibility to use a Right to Match (RTM) card, potentially on an impactful all-rounder like Marcus Stoinis. This approach would provide LSG the opportunity to keep a proven player without fully exhausting their resources in the auction.
Rumors of the mega auction date, speculated to be on November 30, 2024, have intensified anticipation for upcoming changes across the league, with LSG fans eagerly awaiting clarity on their team’s direction. As they finalize their retentions, LSG aims to create a competitive and cohesive squad capable of performing at the highest level in IPL 2025. The franchise’s primary objective remains to strike a balance between retaining star power and cultivating emerging talent.
The franchise’s leadership and coaching staff are likely focused on ensuring that the upcoming season reflects both short-term ambitions and long-term goals. This shift in strategy could bring about a new era for LSG, with a redefined core built around players like Pooran, Bishnoi, and promising talents like Mayank Yadav. Through calculated retentions and shrewd auction acquisitions, Lucknow Super Giants aspire to craft a lineup that can not only contend for the IPL title but also lay the foundation for sustained success in future seasons.
As fans eagerly await official announcements, the retention and reshuffle strategy of LSG demonstrates their ambition to remain a strong force in the IPL.