LSG Set to Retain Pooran, Mayank, and Bishnoi for IPL 2025
Bishnoi, who was retained after being picked ahead of the mega auction for INR 4 crore, has consistently performed well. He contributed significantly to LSG's playoff runs in both 2022 and 2023, taking 16 wickets in the latter season. However, his performance dipped last season, where he managed only 10 wickets in 14 matches.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are poised to retain key players Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, alongside uncapped talents Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan. This strategic move reflects LSG's commitment to maintaining a competitive squad despite the uncertain future of captain KL Rahul, who is unlikely to be retained unless there’s a last-minute change.
The retention of these five players will lead to a deduction of INR 51 crore from LSG's auction purse, which stands at INR 120 crore for squad building. The exact retention amounts for the players are yet to be disclosed; however, if the total exceeds the stipulated INR 51 crore, the higher figure will be deducted from their budget.
Pooran, a prominent figure in the team, is expected to be the top retention, followed by Mayank and Bishnoi. In the 2024 season, Pooran excelled, trailing only Rahul on the run charts and also served as interim captain and wicketkeeper while Rahul was sidelined due to injury. Regarded as one of the best power-hitters in the game, Pooran was acquired by LSG for INR 16 crore ahead of the 2023 season, and his value has surged since his IPL debut in 2017 with the Mumbai Indians.
Mayank had a promising start to his IPL career, earning two Player-of-the-Match awards in his first two outings in 2024, thanks to his ability to bowl at speeds exceeding 150 kph. Unfortunately, a side strain limited him to just four matches, but he quickly caught the attention of national selectors, leading to his inclusion in the list of fast-bowling contracts. Acquired for INR 20 lakhs in the 2024 auction, Mayank has played seven T20 matches, including four in the IPL and recently made his international debut against Bangladesh.
Bishnoi, who was retained after being picked ahead of the mega auction for INR 4 crore, has consistently performed well. He contributed significantly to LSG's playoff runs in both 2022 and 2023, taking 16 wickets in the latter season. However, his performance dipped last season, where he managed only 10 wickets in 14 matches.
Badoni and Mohsin, both uncapped players bought for INR 20 lakhs each in 2022, have been vital to LSG's success. Badoni, an aggressive middle-order batsman, had his best season in 2023, amassing 238 runs at a strike rate of 138. He has also represented India A in the Emerging Series. Meanwhile, Mohsin, a 6'3" left-arm fast bowler, made an immediate impact in his debut season, picking up 14 wickets in just nine matches. Despite facing a serious injury that threatened his career, he made a commendable comeback in the 2023 season, concluding the 2024 IPL with 10 wickets in 10 matches.
As LSG prepares for IPL 2025, retaining these players indicates a strong commitment to building a formidable squad capable of competing at the highest level.
