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After making it to the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs for back-to-back seasons in their first two seasons in the competition, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) failed to make it to the playoffs in IPL 2024. And with now IPL 2025 Mega Auction and player regulations announced, in this article, we take a look at list of players LSG set to retain ahead of the new season and the major shake-up in the auction.

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There is huge debate on what will be the Lucknow Super Giants’ retention for IPL 2025. New rules and regulations suggests that a team can retain upto a total of 6 players, maximum 5 of whom can be capped player or a maximum of 2 uncapped players in the 6 players slot. Teams can either opt to retain all 6 players directly before mega auction or use RTM cards in the auction to buy back their 2024 squad player for the highest bid. In this article, we take a look what Lucknow Super Giants could do.

KL Rahul

Despite much rumours about him leaving the team after a picture of heated argument with team owner went, KL Rahul is still likely to continue with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). KL Rahul is likely to get the number 1 retention slot worth 18 Crore INR and is also likely to captain the team in the IPL 2025 if he remains.

Rahul has played for several teams in his IPL career, starting with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings to his current teams. In the previous season i.e. 2024 IPL, Rahul scored 520 runs in 14 innings with a strike rate of 136.13 and average of 37.14. Previously, he scored 273 runs in 2023, 616 runs in 2022 during his stint with LSG.

Nicholas Pooran

28-years-old wicket-keeper batter Nicholas Pooran’s caribbean flair is set to continue with Lucknow Super Giants. Pooran has been great servant to the team in his 2 seasons with them. He scored 499 runs in 14 innings with a strike rate of 178.21 and average of 62.38 in his IPL 2024 career. Nicholas Pooran is set to get the 2nd slot in the retention list worth 14 Crore INR.

Mayank Yadav

After his astonishing showing in his debut Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign in 2024, producing what many dreams of being able to bowl consistent 154+ KMPH, taking 7 wickets in 4 matches before getting injured. Mayank also got his call-up to the Indian team and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) wouldn’t want to let of him easily.

Mayank Yadav going into the auction would mean his price would skyrocket and Lucknow Super Giants won’t want that. However, Mayank’s retention price for LSG will very much depend on whether he makes his debut in the series vs Bangladesh. In case Mayank makes his debut, then Lucknow would have to shell out 11 Crore INR to retain him. If he still remains an uncapped bowler after Bangladesh series, Lucknow would be able to retain Mayank as an uncapped player and would only cost 4 Crore INR.

Ayush Badoni

Another uncapped retention for the Lucknow Super Giants would be the 24-years-old hard-hitting batter Ayush Badoni. Ever since joining the team since IPL 2022, Badoni has been a regular starter for the team and has been in great form recently. As an uncapped retention, Badoni will only cost 4 Crore INR. Badoni recently scored 235 runs in 12 innings with a strike rate of 137.43 and average of 29.38.

Ravi Bishnoi (RTM Card)

Indian cricket team’s leg-spin bowler is unlikely to be retained in case the above mentioned players get retained. However, Ravi Bishnoi is a big name for the team and has been playing a crucial role for his side. Bishnoi has been with the Lucknow side since last three seasons.

The 24-years-old India international leg-spin bowler took 10 wickets in 14 matches in the IPL 2024. Prior to that, he took 16 wickets in 2023 and 13 wickets in his debut season for the team. Lucknow would look to use RTM Card to buy back the player for his market value.

Marcus Stoinis (RTM Card)

Marcus Stoinis is also likely to be retained using the RTM card. The 35-years-old strong Australian all-rounder has been a valuable asset for the team. He scored 388 runs in 14 matches in the IPL 2024 with a strike rate of 147.53 and average of 32.33. He scored 408 runs in 15 matches in the IPL 2023 season and Lucknow Super Giants might want to have a look if they can get the Aussie back on a cheap.

Players unlikely to be retained

Some notable names who are unlikely to be retained includes the South African wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock. Despite being one of the best batter in this format, De Kock has not done well for Lucknow on their slow paced pitch. De Kock’s contributions in the last 2 seasons include 250 runs in 2024 season and 150 runs in 2023 season.

Players like Devdutt Padikkal, Krunal Pandya, Kyle Mayers, Mohsin Khan or Naveen-ul-Haq are also unlikely to be retained for a huge salary cap.

FAQ

How many players can be retained in IPL 2025?

As the BCCI announced, an IPL franchise can retain a maximum of 6 players, of which a maximum of 5 can be capped players and a maximum of 2 uncapped players.

How many RTM cards are in IPL 2025?

According to BCCI’s latest IPL regulations, an IPL franchise can retain a maximum 6 players either directly or by RTM cards. That means, if a team opts retain zero players before mega auction, that team can use 6 RTM cards in the auction and if a team retain 6 players before auction, they won’t have any RTM card in the auction.

Who will LSG retain players in 2025?

Lucknow Super Giants is likely to retain KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav and Ayush Badoni with Ravi Bishnoi and Marcus Stoinis as RTM card option.

Will KL Rahul stay with Lucknow Super Giants?

KL Rahul is very much likely to remain with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2025 season. Despite many rumours, team owner confirmed KL Rahul is very much likely to remain with the team.

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