Nicholas Pooran Signs Retention Deal with LSG for IPL 2025

West Indies star Nicholas Pooran has signed a major retention deal with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the IPL 2025 season, meeting team owner Sanjiv Goenka at the RPSG headquarters in Kolkata. Pooran's retention comes with a significant Rs 18 crore price tag, making him the franchise’s primary retention and possibly the first formalized retention of the season.

Pooran, who was acquired for Rs 16 crore by LSG in the 2023 auction after being released by SunRisers Hyderabad, has proven his worth as a versatile and impactful batsman. In the last IPL season, he scored an impressive 499 runs, narrowly missing the coveted 500-run milestone, with three half-centuries and an impressive array of 35 fours and 36 sixes. As a reliable wicketkeeper, Pooran adds depth to LSG's lineup and bolsters their strategy for the upcoming season. An LSG official commented on the retention, describing Pooran as a “committed and adaptable” player who embodies a winning mentality.

This retention is part of LSG’s larger strategy for the upcoming IPL season, with Pooran leading the list of retained players. Alongside him, the franchise has secured young talent with retentions of spinner Ravi Bishnoi, fast bowler Mayank Yadav, all-rounder Ayush Badoni, and pacer Mohsin Khan, who are seen as promising future stars. The team has opted not to retain their former captain KL Rahul, signaling a shift in their approach and prioritizing a younger, more adaptable squad for the next season.

After committing Rs 51 crore on these five key retentions, LSG goes into the 2025 auction with a remaining purse of Rs 69 crore from the permitted Rs 120 crore salary cap. With at least 15 more players to sign, the franchise has room to craft a well-rounded team that can balance experience with youth.

With Pooran’s retention, LSG sets a competitive tone for the IPL 2025 season, aiming to leverage his experience and adaptability for a strong performance.