IPL 2025: Best Playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants after mega auction

As the anticipation for the IPL 2025 mega auction starts to reach its peak, there are high speculations about the retained players from each of the ten franchises. It is worth noting that the grand bidding war is likely to take place between December 2024 and 2025, allowing all the teams to restructure and reframe their respective squad as they head towards the next edition of the Indian Premier League.

For Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the focus will be on blending retained stars with exciting new talent to form a well-rounded team. While there’s no official news on retentions, four players are likely to be kept by LSG: KL Rahul, Mayank Yadav, Nicholas Pooran, and Marcus Stoinis. 

Mentioning the upcoming bidding war, the Lucknow-based franchise will look to make bold moves in the auction while retaining a strong core.

Ipl 2025: Mega Auction LSG Targeted Players

1. KL Rahul

KL Rahul has been the backbone of the LSG batting lineup and is likely to be retained for his stellar leadership skills and consistency at the top. Over the past five seasons, Rahul has been a beacon of consistency, having crossed the 600-run mark in multiple seasons.

The 32-year-old’s tactical acumen also allows him to switch between roles — he can play aggressively in the powerplay or drop anchor when wickets fall. His captaincy has evolved, making him an indispensable part of LSG’s plans as a player and leader.

2. Prithvi Shaw

A potential game-changer if released by Delhi Capitals, LSG could make a bold move for Prithvi Shaw as his aggressive approach fits perfectly with LSG’s need for an attacking opener. The 24-year-old’s ability to take full advantage of the powerplay makes him an ideal partner for Rahul. 

Despite having a dismal show in this year’s IPL edition (2024) where the right-handed batter managed to score 198 runs in eight games, it is worth underscoring that the latter garnered a strike rate of 163.63. His thumping powerplay performances have often put his teams on the front foot, making him a tactical asset in an aggressive lineup.

3. Rahul Tripathi

Rahul Tripathi, a proven middle-order asset in the shortest format of the game, could be a brilliant acquisition for LSG. The 33-year-old garnered significant attention in IPL 2022 when he amassed 413 runs with a classy strike rate of 158.23. 

The Ranch-born batter’s ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries regularly makes him a tactical fit for LSG, who need a solid but explosive middle-order player. He has shown he can handle pressure, particularly when teams lose early wickets, making him an ideal backup in case Rahul or Shaw fall cheaply. 

4. Nicolas Pooran

Likely to be retained as the wicketkeeper and explosive middle-order batter, Pooran is expected to continue his role as LSG’s enforcer against spin in the middle overs and the later half of the batting.

Recognized for his fearless approach, the left-handed batter has a career IPL strike rate of 151, with his best performances often coming against spinners. In the 2024 season, the 28- year-old played several crucial knocks for LSG amassing 499 runs in 14 innings, proving his mettle in pressure situations.

 With his wicket-keeping duties providing further tactical value, Pooran remains a crucial part of LSG’s plans.

5. Marcus Stoinis

One of the likely retentions, Marcus Stoinis brings a dynamic all-round ability to the team. Known for his explosive batting down the order and his medium-pace bowling, the Australian is a key figure in both LSG’s batting and bowling plans. His IPL strike rate of 145+ makes him a potent finisher, while his ability to bowl crucial overs in the middle phases adds a strategic advantage.

The 35-year-old’s experience in both international and franchise cricket across various leagues like the Big Bash and The Hundred has helped him develop a calm temperament, which makes him an invaluable asset in crunch situations. 

6. Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar offers immense value as a powerplay specialist with his off-spin and a dependable lower-order batter. From a tactical perspective, the 34-year-old’s versatility can give LSG with multiple options.

His ability to bowl economically in the powerplay means LSG can afford to play more aggressive fast bowlers later in the innings. He can also handle the finishing duties alongside players like Marcus Stoinis, providing flexibility in both bowling and batting.

7. Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, and his hard-hitting abilities make him an ideal candidate for LSG’s lower-middle order. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he maintained a strike rate of 180+, establishing himself as one of India’s best finishers in the domestic circuit. 

His ability to clear boundaries with ease in the death overs, coupled with his knack for handling pressure situations, makes him a reliable match-winner in tight contests.

8. Ravi Bishnoi 

Ravi Bishnoi has quickly risen through the ranks to establish himself as one of the most exciting young spinners in Indian cricket. While there is no official retention news, LSG will likely prioritize bidding for the 24-year-old in the 2025 IPL auction to keep him in their squad.

His effectiveness as a wicket-taking leg-spinner, particularly in the middle overs, has made him a key figure for LSG and a bowler with immense potential for the future. Mentioning his career with LSG so far, the Rajasthan-based cricketer has 43 scalps to his name in 39 matches. 

9. Anrich Nortje

If Anrich Nortje gets released by the Delhi Capitals, he could be a game-changing addition to the LSG after the IPL 2025 mega auction. In high-pressure situations,  the 30-year-old has consistently delivered for his teams.

The South African’s ability to bowl dot balls and maintain a tight economy rate under pressure allows captains to trust him with the most challenging overs.

10. Trent Boult

Trent Boult, one of the finest left-arm pacers in world cricket, has a well-established reputation for his ability to swing the new ball and deliver key breakthroughs in both international and franchise cricket.

The veteran Kiwi’s potential addition to the LSG for IPL 2025 could bring balance, experience, and a strategic edge to their bowling lineup. The 35-year-old’s ability to adapt to different conditions, whether it’s the flat tracks of Mumbai or the turning pitches of Chennai, demonstrates his tactical nous and versatility.

11. Mayank Yadav 

One of the most promising pace aspects of Indian cricket, Mayank Yadav holds significant potential for IPL 2025. The 22-year-old has shown that he can hit the deck hard and bowl consistently above 140 km/h adding variety to LSG’s pace attack. 

As Indian conditions don’t always support swing or seam movement, the Delhi-based pacer’s natural ability to extract bounce makes him particularly dangerous on surfaces where other bowlers might struggle to gain assistance.