IPL Retention: Lucknow Super Giants identify three players to retain ahead of mega auction

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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have identified three players whom they prefer to retain ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. According to a report from TOI, the Lucknow-based franchise is keen on retaining Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi and Nicholas Pooran.

For the record, IPL franchises can retain a maximum of six players each ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, either through direct retention or a Right-To-Match (RTM) card. With not much time left, LSG have already started working on their release and retention list.

With the BCCI increasing the cost of retaining players ahead of the mega auction, franchise strategies are set to go through significant changes. Thus all 10 teams will now face a challenging task, which is striking the right balance between retaining core players and utilizing the RTM cards at the auction to acquire top talent.

LSG interested in retaining Mayank, Bishnoi and Pooran

As per the reports, LSG are planning to release KL Rahul and are reportedly interested in keeping the likes of Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Nicholas Pooran. Let's take a look at how the trio performed for the franchise in recent times.

Mayank Yadav: LSG roped in the Delhi youngster for INR 20 lakh in the IPL 2022 auction. The 22-year-old made his debut for LSG against Punjab Kings in IPL 2024. He hogged the limelight for his raw pace and ruffled the opposition batters' feathers by constantly clocking over 155 kmph.

The right-arm fast bowler accounted for 7 dismissals in just four matches in the 2024 season before being sidelined by injury. The youngster who has emerged as a prized asset is set to be retained at a significant price. As per reports, the young India pacer will be retained by the franchise for a whopping Rs 18 crore.

Ravi Bishnoi: The leg-spinner is another player who is set to receive a significant hike this time around, having previously earned INR 4 crore as an uncapped player. He has been the team's lead spinner in the last three seasons. Bishnoi took 13 wickets in IPL 2022, 16 wickets in the 2023 season before his performances dipped in IPL 2024, where he took 10 wickets in 14 games.

Nicholas Pooran: The West Indies' attacking wicketkeeper-batsman has played the 'aggressor' role at LSG ever so well, by scoring runs at a rate of knots in the last two seasons for LSG. Having maintained a strike rate in excess of 160, he is one of the assets that LSG wish to retain ahead of the mega auction.

The Caribbean joined the franchise for INR 16 crore in the IPL 2023 auction. He scored 358 runs in IPL 2023 and followed it up with 499 runs in IPL 2024. Taking his credentials into account, LSG will be prepared to retain him at a hefty price.