Exploring Lucknow Super Giants' Retention Choices For IPL 2025 Auction

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) concluded their IPL 2024 league stage with a win over Mumbai Indians. However, they finished outside the top four, accumulating only 14 points and a negative Net Run Rate (NRR).

After consecutive playoff qualifications in their first two seasons since debuting in 2022, LSG failed to replicate the success this year. This was attributed to inconsistent performances from key players and an injury to a crucial bowler.

Before the 2024 IPL Auction, LSG retained their core squad and traded pacer Avesh Khan for batter Devdutt Padikkal. Unfortunately, this trade did not yield the desired results, and several players, including captain KL Rahul, displayed mixed form throughout the season.

The IPL 2025 auction is expected to be a mega event similar to LSG's first auction experience in 2022. During that auction, they acquired KL Rahul, Ravi Bishnoi, and Marcus Stoinis via player draft.

Reports suggest that teams may be allowed only four retentions like previous IPL Mega Auctions. However, franchise owners have requested the BCCI to permit up to eight retentions per team.

While there is no official confirmation on the number of retentions allowed for IPL 2025, it is likely that each team can retain a minimum of four players. Additionally, teams might have access to a Right To Match (RTM) card.

If only four players can be retained, LSG may not face significant challenges in deciding who to release and retain. This could help them build a squad capable of winning the title in upcoming seasons.

Several players are potential retention candidates for LSG. However, many will need to be released ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, which could occur between December 2024 and February 2025.

Initially, skipper KL Rahul seemed an obvious retention choice. However, after being publicly reprimanded by the owner during the season, his retention appears uncertain. Nonetheless, a change of heart cannot be ruled out.

Based on current form, Nicholas Pooran is likely to be LSG's first retention. The question remains who among Rahul, Krunal Pandya, Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mohsin Khan will join him.

Marcus Stoinis is expected to be retained alongside Ravi Bishnoi and Mayank Yadav. Thus, these four players are likely candidates for retention before the next auction.

Other Indian stars like Mohsin Khan, Deepak Hooda, and Krunal Pandya may be considered during the auction where an RTM could be used. Many players' tenure with the franchise might end.

If Rahul regains favour with the management, he could be a top retention choice. This might push Ravi Bishnoi into an RTM pick as Mayank Yadav could fetch a high price if released. Below is a possible retention list for LSG:

LSG Retention List 2025

• Nicholas Pooran - retained
• Marcus Stoinis - retained
• Mayank Yadav - retained
• Ravi Bishnoi - retained/RTM
• KL Rahul - retained/RTM