In a landmark meeting held on Saturday, the IPL Governing Council confirmed the player retention regulations ahead of the mega auction for the 2025 IPL edition. Each franchise has been permitted to retain up to six players, with the stipulation that at least one, but no more than two, uncapped players must be retained. This regulatory framework will significantly influence team compositions and strategies as franchises prepare for the upcoming auction.
Recent events surrounding LSG (Lucknow Super Giants), particularly the meeting between team owner Sanjiv Goenka and star player KL Rahul in Kolkata, have fueled speculation regarding player retentions. The buzz intensified with the announcement of Zaheer Khan as LSG’s new director of cricket development and bowling mentor. Goenka had previously indicated that decisions regarding KL Rahul’s future would hinge on the retention rules. With those now finalized, the focus shifts to LSG’s retention strategy. Here, we delve into six players LSG may consider retaining ahead of the mega auction.
### 1. Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran stands out as a probable first retention for LSG, potentially at a price tag of Rs 18 crore. Pooran’s stellar performance this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. He is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the competition, amassing 413 runs at an impressive average of 45.89 and a striking rate of 174.26, smashing 30 sixes along the way. His achievements in T20 cricket extend beyond the IPL, as he set a new world record for the most runs scored in a calendar year in T20 history, becoming only the second player to cross the 2000-run mark in a single year. Sustaining this form, Pooran scored 499 runs in the IPL 2024 season at a phenomenal strike rate of 178.21.
### 2. KL Rahul
KL Rahul’s position as LSG’s second retention comes under scrutiny, especially given continuous debates about his strike rate. A viral video of an on-camera argument between Rahul and Sanjiv Goenka during IPL 2024 only intensified these discussions. Reports have surfaced suggesting Rahul himself was considering being released. Yet, his performance speaks volumes—he was LSG’s top scorer in IPL 2024, accumulating 520 runs over 14 matches with a strike rate of around 136. Given these consistent performances, Rahul’s retention at Rs 14 crore seems justifiable and likely.
### 3. Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock’s inclusion in the retention list will definitely be a topic of debate for the LSG management.
. De Kock’s strong showing in the Caribbean Premier League, where he amassed 434 runs in 10 matches with a strike rate of 165.02, showcases his potential. However, his form in IPL 2024 was less impressive, managing only 250 runs in 11 matches with a strike rate of 134.41. The decision to retain him may depend heavily on the number of players LSG ultimately decides to retain.
### 4. Mayank Yadav
Fiery pacer Mayank Yadav could be a valuable asset in LSG’s lineup. Making a strong impression in his debut IPL season, he showcased both remarkable pace and accuracy. Despite playing only four matches, he took seven wickets and consistently bowled at speeds exceeding 150 kph, even reaching nearly 157 kph in one game. Currently uncapped, Mayank is likely to make his debut for India in the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. His retention chances will be influenced by whether he becomes a capped player before the auction. Nonetheless, his performance makes him a strong contender for retention.
### 5. Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi Bishnoi has cemented his role as the primary spinner for LSG over the past couple of seasons. His performance has been solid, accounting for 39 wickets in 43 matches for the franchise, though he only managed 10 wickets in IPL 2024. The cost of retaining Bishnoi will play a crucial role in the final decision, but his consistent contributions as a spinner make him a potential candidate for retention.
### 6. Mohsin Khan
Despite being somewhat injury-prone, Mohsin Khan has emerged as a reliable pace bowler for LSG. His commendable performance in IPL 2022, where he claimed 14 wickets in nine matches, set high expectations. Unfortunately, injuries limited his appearances in subsequent seasons. In IPL 2024, he managed to pick up 10 wickets in as many matches. His retention might hinge on whether Mayank Yadav becomes a capped player, but Mohsin remains a valuable option for LSG’s squad.
As the mega auction approaches, LSG’s decisions on player retentions will be pivotal in shaping the team’s future. Balancing the retention of key players like Pooran and Rahul with emerging talents like Mayank Yadav will require strategic foresight. LSG fans and cricket enthusiasts alike will be keenly watching how the franchise maneuvers within the new retention rules to build a competitive squad for IPL 2025.
