LSG Retention List for IPL 2025: Key Players Not Retained and How Much They Can Spend at Mega Auction as Per Report?

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Lucknow Super Giants are making significant moves ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction as they look to solidify their squad for the upcoming season.

The Lucknow-based franchise is set to retain five key players, as per a reports, with Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, and Ayush Badoni all staying on board.

While KL Rahul, who has led LSG since its inception in 2022, is not likely to be retained unless there’s a last-minute change of plans, the franchise will be left with a Right to Match (RTM) card for the upcoming auction.

LSG Players Retained

• Nicholas Pooran - Rs 18 crore
• Mayank Yadav - Rs 14 crore
• Ravi Bishnoi - Rs 10 crore
• Ayush Badoni - Rs 18 crore
• Mohsin Khan - Rs 14 crore

Key Players Not Retained by LSG

• KL Rahul - Rs 17 crore (last season salary)
• Quinton de Kock - Rs 6.75 crore
• Krunal Pandya - Rs 8.25 crore
• Marcus Stoinis - Rs 9.25 crore
• Mark Wood - Rs 7.5 crore
• Shivam Mavi - Rs 6.50 crore
• Kyle Myers - Rs 50 lakh

The exclusion of KL Rahul has come as a shock to fans, given his impact on the team’s success over the last few seasons. However, LSG’s decision points towards a strategy shift for a more balanced squad composition. If Rahul is released, LSG could attempt to bring him back with their RTM card, depending on the bid amount.

Some of the other big names that missed out are South African wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock, who in the past has belted runs for the franchise but had to often fight for his spot with Kyle Myers, who isn't retained either.

While two express Indian pacers Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan were retained, England's Mark Wood and Shivam Mavi were not included. Wood's injury prone career and national duties may have paved the way for the decision while Shivam Mavi struggled to keep his spot in the playing 11 after moving from Gujarat Titans last season. Also, Aussie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been ignored, possibly because he has often struggled to score runs on the slow surface of Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

Among those retained, Nicholas Pooran emerges as the top pick after his standout performances in IPL 2024, where he stepped up as interim captain and contributed significantly with the bat. The franchise also seems keen on backing young talents like Mayank Yadav, whose express pace and impressive performances have garnered attention.

LSG to Focus on Youth and Retain Core Players?

Ravi Bishnoi’s presence in the retention list was expected, given his consistency with the ball since joining the franchise. The leg-spinner has been a crucial cog in LSG’s bowling unit, making it to the playoffs in the previous seasons.

LSG’s management has shown faith in young talents like Ayush Badoni, an explosive middle-order batter, and Mohsin Khan, a promising left-arm seamer. Both have contributed significantly to LSG’s fortunes over the last few years, and their retention signifies a focus on nurturing and backing homegrown players.

IPL 2025 Auction: How Much Money Lucknow Super Giants Can Spend?

According to IPL’s retention structure, LSG is expected to have INR 69 crore left in their purse after retaining the five players. The total budget for each franchise has been set at ₹120 crore, and LSG will have enough funds to aggressively pursue their targets at the auction table.

The decision to not retain KL Rahul will free up a significant portion of the salary cap, allowing the team to strategise differently and potentially bring in fresh faces to build around their retained core.

With names like Rahul and other high-profile stars potentially up for grabs, LSG’s remaining purse of ₹69 crore could see them making strategic bids during the IPL 2025 mega auction.