Cricket

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, has set its sights on retaining a strong core of players from last year's squad in the upcoming mega auction. Head coach Justin Langer revealed that the team's objective is to bring back as many players as possible who contributed to their success in the previous season.LSG has already retained five players, including four Indians and two uncapped players. The retained Indian players are Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Ayush Badoni, and Mohsin Khan. West Indian batter Nicholas Pooran is the only overseas player retained by the franchise."We are really pleased with announcing the four of the most talented Indian players in the country at the moment," Langer said. "We are setting a base for those strong Indian players... I'm excited about that."Pooran, known for his explosive batting, is a valuable addition to the LSG lineup. "Nicholas Pooran is a dynamic player in world cricket and we can't wait to see him in action again," Langer said.LSG released former captain KL Rahul before the retention deadline, leaving the team with a purse of Rs 69 crore for the mega auction. Rahul, who led LSG for three seasons, will now enter the auction pool."The retention for next year's IPL was really tough," Langer admitted. "There were lots of very careful deliberations, strong considerations to come up with the list of retentions."Pooran was retained for a whopping Rs 21 crore, making him one of the highest-paid players in the IPL. Bishnoi, Mayank, Mohsin, and Badoni were retained for Rs 11 crore each.LSG's focus on retaining a strong core of Indian players aligns with the franchise's long-term strategy. By building a solid foundation of talented domestic players, LSG aims to establish a competitive team that can challenge for the IPL title in the years to come.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have demonstrated their unwavering faith in their express bowler Mayank Yadav by retaining him for a staggering Rs 11 crore despite his injury-prone history. The franchise's co-owner, Shashwat Goenka, emphasized that Yadav's on-field contributions far outweigh his time spent on the sidelines.Yadav, who joined LSG in 2022, made his debut in 2024 and immediately showcased his exceptional pace, consistently exceeding 150kph. In his first two matches, he claimed Player of the Match honors with impressive performances of 3/27 against Punjab Kings and 3/14 against Royal Challengers Bangalore.Goenka acknowledged Yadav's injury history but stressed that it was not a decisive factor in their decision to retain him. "When he plays, what is the contribution he makes to the game and to LSG? That was the guiding principle behind keeping him," Goenka explained.Despite the challenges bowlers face in the high-scoring IPL, Goenka expressed confidence in Yadav's ability to handle the pressure. He cited the performances of Yadav and fellow young pacer Mohsin Khan in the death overs as evidence of their resilience.Yadav's retention is a testament to LSG's long-term vision and belief in his potential. The franchise is optimistic that he will continue to make significant contributions to their success in the years to come.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have announced their retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, prioritizing players who embody a winning mindset and team-first attitude. The franchise's owner, Sanjiv Goenka, emphasized the importance of retaining a strong core within the available purse.LSG's most notable retention is Nicholas Pooran, who has been secured for INR 21 crore. Goenka described Pooran as an "automatic choice" due to his exceptional performances and leadership qualities. The Trinidadian wicketkeeper-batter was LSG's second-highest run-scorer in IPL 2024, amassing 499 runs at a blistering strike rate of 178.Alongside Pooran, LSG has retained three bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, and Mohsin Khan. Bishnoi and Khan are both young and promising Indian spinners, while Yadav impressed in his IPL debut season with his raw pace and ability to swing the ball.Ayush Badoni, a versatile middle-order batter, has also been retained by LSG. Despite a modest run tally in IPL 2024, the franchise sees him as a long-term prospect due to his adaptability and potential to contribute in various roles.LSG's decision not to retain KL Rahul, their former captain, has raised eyebrows. Rahul was the team's leading run-scorer in IPL 2024, but his departure is seen as a strategic move to free up salary space and allow the franchise to build a more balanced squad.With five players retained at a total cost of INR 51 crore, LSG has INR 69 crore remaining to spend at the mega auction. The franchise has one right-to-match option, which they can use to buy back one of their capped players if they are not picked up by another team.LSG's retentions reflect their commitment to building a competitive team that can challenge for the IPL title. By prioritizing players with a winning mindset and a team-first approach, the franchise hopes to create a cohesive unit that can achieve success in the upcoming season.

KL Rahul's Omission from Lucknow Super Giants Raises QuestionsAhead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have made their player retentions, notably excluding star batter KL Rahul. This decision has sparked discussions and raised questions about the reasons behind Rahul's departure.LSG's retained players include Nicholas Pooran (Rs 21 crore), Ravi Bishnoi (Rs 11 crore), Mayank Yadav (Rs 11 crore), Mohsin Khan (Rs 4 crore), and Ayush Badoni (Rs 4 crore). Owner Sanjiv Goenka explained the team's retention strategy, emphasizing the importance of players who prioritize team success over personal aspirations."We wanted players who have a mindset to win, who put the team before their personal goals and personal aspirations," Goenka said. "Our first retention was an automatic choice, and we have two uncapped retentions in Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni."However, Goenka's comments have been met with criticism on social media, with many questioning the exclusion of Rahul, who has been a key player for LSG in the past. Some have suggested that Rahul's batting style, which has been criticized for its slow strike rate, may have influenced the decision.According to a source quoted by PTI, Rahul's batting style was indeed a factor in his non-retention. "Rahul's SR for three years with LSG is 136.13, 113.23, and 135.38," the source said. "In today's T20, when even the Indian team had to change its philosophy, these numbers weren't acceptable."Rahul's departure from LSG leaves a significant void in the team's batting lineup. He has been a consistent performer for the franchise, scoring 616 runs in 2022 and 520 runs in 2023. His leadership skills have also been praised, as he captained LSG to the playoffs in both seasons.It remains to be seen how LSG will fill the void left by Rahul's absence. The team will have the opportunity to acquire new players through the IPL auction, which is scheduled to take place in December 2024.

Nicholas Pooran Set to Become One of IPL's Highest-Paid Retained PlayersNicholas Pooran is poised to become one of the most highly compensated retained players in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, according to sources within the league. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Pooran have reportedly reached an agreement that could see the Trinidadian batsman earn over Rs 20 crore from the franchise.The agreement was reportedly finalized within two minutes after consultations with LSG mentor Zaheer Khan and coach Justin Langer. However, it does not guarantee Pooran the captaincy, as the franchise will assess its options after the mega auction. LSG is reportedly keen on acquiring Rishabh Pant if Delhi Capitals do not retain him.LSG is expected to spend approximately Rs 50 crore on retentions, with Pooran, Mayank Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi likely to command the highest salaries. Overseas and capped players like Pooran, Mayank, and Bishnoi could receive around Rs 40 crore, while uncapped players like Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan will be compensated based on mutual agreements.In the previous IPL mini auction, Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player when Kolkata Knight Riders acquired him for Rs 24.75 crore. However, no player has ever been retained for an amount exceeding Rs 20 crore. Pooran's potential retention at such a high price underscores his value as a dynamic batsman and a key asset for LSG.

IPL 2025 Retention Deadline: Franchises Finalize Retained PlayersWith the mega auction for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season approaching, the ten franchises have until October 31, 5pm IST, to submit their lists of retained players. Here's a detailed breakdown of the players set to be retained by each franchise:Chennai Super Kings (CSK)CSK will retain five players: captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, batter Shivam Dube, Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, and the legendary MS Dhoni. The amounts paid to each player are yet to be confirmed, but CSK will lose at least INR 65 crore from their overall purse of INR 120 crore.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)KKR will retain four players: spinner Sunil Narine, batter Rinku Singh, all-rounder Harshit Rana, and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Star all-rounder Andre Russell and 2024 title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer are unlikely to be retained.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)LSG will retain five players: wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran, batter Mayank Yadav, spinner Ravi Bishnoi, and uncapped duo Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni. KL Rahul, who has led the franchise since its inception, is unlikely to be retained.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)SRH will retain five players: South African power-hitter Heinrich Klaasen, Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins, Indian all-rounder Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Klaasen will receive the highest salary of INR 23 crore, followed by Cummins at INR 18 crore and Sharma at INR 14 crore.Key Takeaways:* CSK retains MS Dhoni and four others, losing a significant portion of their purse.* KKR retains Narine and three others, with Russell and Iyer likely to depart.* LSG retains Pooran and four others, with Rahul's future uncertain.* SRH retains Klaasen as their top earner, along with Cummins, Sharma, Head, and Reddy.

KL Rahul, the seasoned Indian wicketkeeper-batter and former captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), is reportedly set to leave the franchise ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) retention list. According to a report in the Times of India, Rahul has declined LSG's offer of top retention due to personal and professional reasons.Rahul's departure from LSG has sparked interest from several other franchises, including Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings. These teams are expected to aggressively pursue Rahul in the upcoming auction.Under the IPL retention guidelines, teams can retain up to six players, with financial penalties for each retained player. Retaining five capped players would reduce a team's auction purse by Rs 75 crore.The mega auction is scheduled to take place overseas in the last week of November, with an increased auction purse of Rs 120 crore. The total salary cap now includes an auction purse, incremental performance pay, and match fees.Rahul's decision to leave LSG is a significant development in the IPL landscape. The 31-year-old has been a consistent performer in the league, leading Punjab Kings and LSG in the past. His departure opens up opportunities for other players to step into leadership roles and for franchises to reshape their squads.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have finalized their retention plans for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, with Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, and Ayush Badoni set to remain with the franchise.Pooran, the explosive West Indian batter, is expected to be the highest-paid retention, followed by Mayank and Bishnoi. Pooran has been a key contributor for LSG, scoring 306 runs in 14 matches in 2024 and leading the team as interim captain during KL Rahul's absence.Mayank, a promising young fast bowler, has impressed with his pace and accuracy. Despite playing only four matches in 2024 due to injury, he has earned a national call-up and is considered a potential future star.Bishnoi, a leg-spinner, has been a consistent performer for LSG, taking 16 wickets in 2023 and playing a crucial role in the team's playoff run.Badoni, a middle-order batter, has shown his potential with aggressive performances, scoring 238 runs in 12 innings in 2023. Mohsin, a left-arm fast bowler, has also been impressive, taking 14 wickets in nine matches in his debut IPL season in 2022.With these five players retained, LSG will have one right-to-match (RTM) card at the auction. The exact amount paid to the retained players is not yet known, but it is estimated to be around INR 51 crore, which will be deducted from LSG's purse.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are poised to bid farewell to their captain, KL Rahul, ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction. The IPL governing council has set October 31 as the deadline for teams to finalize their retained and released player lists.According to Cricbuzz, Rahul has expressed his desire to depart LSG after the management declined his request to bat in the middle order due to team composition and dynamics. The report also suggests that LSG may exercise their Right To Match (RTM) card for Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis."While LSG has the option to exercise the RTM for Rahul, the chances of that happening are remote - virtually nil. They may do it for a player like Marcus Stoinis," the report states.With Rahul's departure imminent, LSG is expected to retain Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, and Ayush Badoni, with the latter two being uncapped retentions.Rahul has been linked to several teams ahead of the auction, but if he enters the bidding pool, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is likely to pursue their former player aggressively. Rahul played for RCB in 2013 and 2016 before joining Punjab in 2018.Rahul's strike rate has been a concern for LSG. Since the 2019 IPL season, he has not scored at a strike rate above 140, dropping as low as 113 in 2023.If Rahul and LSG mutually part ways, he will become one of the most sought-after Indian players in the auction pool. Rahul has amassed 4,683 IPL runs at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 134.Rahul's recent struggles have extended to the international arena, as he was dropped from India's playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. However, he has been included in the squad for the upcoming Test tour of Australia.