All 10 teams will announce their lists of retained players on October 31 ahead of the mega auction for the IPL 2025. Meanwhile, it has been reported that Lucknow Super Giants have finalised their retentions and skipper KL Rahul is not a part of the list.
Lucknow Super Giants have announced their list of retained players ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction. As of now, the franchise has confirmed the retention of five players – Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Ayush Badoni, and Mohsin Khan.
In ESPNCricinfo, their skipper KL Rahul is not included among the retentions. He is unlikely to remain unless the list changes last minute. If this situation arises, LSG will only have one Right to Match (RTM) card to offer at the auction. According to the report, the amount of retained players is not yet known, but based on the slab set, LSG will lose at least Rs 51 crore.
It has been reported that Pooran will be the top retainer followed by Mayank and Bishnoi, while Badoni and Mohsin will be uncapped. Pooran was bought by the franchise for Rs 16 crore ahead of IPL 2023 and he scored 358 and 499 runs respectively in two seasons at a strike rate in excess of 170.
As for Mayank Yadav, the speedster played four matches and won the Player of the Match award twice clocking 150-plus kph deliveries consistently. LSG picked him for just Rs 20 lakh and even though he is injury-prone, the franchise is showing faith in him. In fact, Mayank is injured right now and is currently at BCCI’s newly opened Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Rest of the three players – Badni, Mohsin and Bishnoi – were picked by LSG in their inaugural IPL season in 2022 and have fared well in three editions. Interestingly, the franchise has kept faith in Mohsin who has repeatedly been injured during the cash-rich league but the 6’3″ left-arm fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh seems to have impressed the management.
In what is shaping up to be an exciting retention period, reports also mention that two Indian players are among the top-5 retentions across the league. This trend reinforces the importance of national representation in franchise decisions. Indian players often bring in not only skill but also the familiarity of local conditions and added fan engagement, which is vital for franchises looking to enhance their marketability.
The presence of established Indian players blends experience with youthful exuberance, creating a balanced team dynamic. As IPL teams prepare for the next season, retaining key Indian talents will be critical for franchises aiming to build competitive squads that can contend for the title.
As the IPL continues to grow in stature and popularity, the financial aspects associated with player retention and acquisitions are also on the rise. The proposed INR 23 crore for a single player is not just a reflection of their skill, but also an indicator of the market value for top performers. This trend poses interesting questions about budget management, player valuations, and future bidding wars that are bound to ensue in the next auction.
As franchises navigate these complexities, strategic planning will be essential. Teams will need to weigh the benefits of holding onto star players against the potential gains from bringing in new talent, striking an optimal balance between stability and renewal.
As the IPL progresses towards its new season, the retention decisions made now will lay the groundwork for future successes. SRH’s bold move to retain a batting superstar signals their intent to reclaim their position among the league’s elite. With the integration of young players alongside established stars, fans can expect a thrilling season ahead.
In conclusion, the impending IPL season promises to be one filled with intense competition and strategic innovations. As teams solidify their rosters, the excitement builds not just for the matches to come, but also for the calculated risks and decisions that can change the course of a franchise’s journey in this illustrious tournament.
Stay tuned as we continue to cover all the latest developments leading up to the new IPL season!