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 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.

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: Lucknow Super Kings Retain Nicholas Pooran, Gujarat Titans Set to Keep Shubman GillAhead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Lucknow Super Kings (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) have made significant moves by retaining key players.Lucknow Super KingsLSG has retained West Indies wicket-keeper batter Nicholas Pooran for a whopping Rs 18 crore. Pooran, who joined LSG in 2023 for Rs 16 crore, is reportedly being considered as a potential replacement for KL Rahul as captain."Pooran is committed to LSG, possesses a winning mindset, thinks deep, and above all, he is adaptable to the batting order and any match situation," said an LSG official.In addition to Pooran, LSG is expected to retain Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Ayush Badoni, and Mohsin Khan. The franchise will enter the auction with a purse of Rs 69 crore.Gujarat TitansGT, the reigning IPL champions, are set to retain their captain Shubman Gill, star spinner Rashid Khan, and left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan. Uncapped hitters Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan are also likely to be retained."Shubman, Rashid, and Sai will be retained by the franchise," said an IPL source.Gill, who is seen as a future leader in Indian cricket, captained Titans for the first time in 2023. Rashid Khan has been a consistent performer for GT, taking 27 wickets in the 2023 season. Sudharsan had a breakout year in 2023, scoring 527 runs in 12 games.

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.

Nicholas Pooran, the explosive West Indian batter, has etched his name in the annals of T20 cricket history by setting a new world record for the most sixes in a calendar year. During a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match on Saturday, Pooran smashed nine towering sixes in his blistering 43-ball 97 against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, propelling his team, Trinbago Knight Riders, to a resounding 44-run victory.This remarkable feat surpassed the previous record held by the legendary Chris Gayle, who had hit 135 sixes in 2015. Pooran's tally of 139 sixes in 2024 not only eclipses Gayle's mark but also places him ahead of Gayle's other two impressive six-hitting seasons, with 121 sixes in 2012 and 116 in 2011.Pooran's record-breaking performance is a testament to his exceptional power-hitting abilities and his consistent brilliance across various franchise leagues and international cricket throughout 2024. His stellar form extends beyond just six-hitting, as he has also accumulated an impressive 1,844 runs this year, placing him third on the list for most T20 runs in a calendar year.In the CPL match against the Patriots, Pooran's innings was the cornerstone of Trinbago Knight Riders' formidable total of 250/4. The Knight Riders' bowlers then restricted St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to 206/8, securing a comfortable win.Pooran's record-breaking feat is a testament to his exceptional talent and his status as one of the most dangerous batters in T20 cricket today. His ability to clear the boundary with ease and his consistent performances make him a valuable asset to any team.

Nicholas Pooran's blistering knock of 65 runs off just 26 deliveries propelled West Indies to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the opening match of their three-match Twenty20 International series in Trinidad.After South Africa, missing several regular players, posted a respectable 174-7 in their 20 overs, the West Indies openers, Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope, laid the foundation for the chase with an 84-run partnership. Athanaze contributed 40 runs off 30 balls, while Hope scored 51 off 36 deliveries.However, it was Pooran who stole the show with his explosive innings. The left-hander smashed seven sixes and two fours, finishing the match in style with a boundary off the final delivery. His innings overshadowed the efforts of Tristan Stubbs (76 off 42 balls) and Patrick Kruger (44 off 32 balls), who had earlier rescued South Africa from a precarious position.South Africa's innings had started poorly, with the tourists slumping to 42-5. But Stubbs and Kruger combined for a 71-run sixth-wicket partnership to give their team a fighting total.For the West Indies, Matthew Forde was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-27, while Shamar Joseph claimed 2-40.The victory gives West Indies a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second match scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.

Northern Superchargers' Nicholas Pooran played a pivotal role in their thrilling seven-wicket victory over Manchester Originals in The Hundred, smashing an unbeaten 66 off just 33 balls. The win keeps Superchargers' hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.However, the match was overshadowed by an injury to England Test captain Ben Stokes, who is now a doubt for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Stokes sustained a suspected hamstring injury while running a single in the second innings.Pooran's heroics came after Manchester Originals had posted an imposing 156 for 3, with Phil Salt contributing 61. But Superchargers' spinners, led by Mitchell Santner (3-24), restricted Originals' scoring rate in the latter stages of their innings.In the chase, Superchargers lost two early wickets but Pooran's arrival at the crease changed the game. He struck eight sixes and four fours, ably supported by Harry Brook (43) and Adam Hose (26 not out).The victory was a testament to Superchargers' resilience and the brilliance of Pooran, who has been in exceptional form throughout the competition. However, the injury to Stokes is a major concern for England, who are set to face Sri Lanka in a three-Test series starting on August 21.

MI New York Triumphs in MLC 2024 Opener with Pooran's BrillianceIn a thrilling start to Major League Cricket 2024, defending champions MI New York emerged victorious over Seattle Orcas by six wickets at Morrisville's Church Street Park.Opting to field first, MI New York's bowling attack proved formidable. Trent Boult and Rashid Khan, two of the world's premier bowlers, wreaked havoc on the Seattle Orcas batting lineup, claiming three wickets each. Kieron Pollard also chipped in with two dismissals, restricting the Orcas to a modest total of 108 all out in 19.1 overs.MI New York's chase got off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets. However, Nicholas Pooran stepped up to the plate, delivering a scintillating innings of 62 runs from just 37 balls. His knock, which included two sixes and seven boundaries, propelled MI New York to victory in just 14.2 overs.Pooran's match-winning performance earned him the Man of the Match award. "It's nice to start with a win, the key is to get off to a good start," said Pooran after the match. "We had a wonderful powerplay, Rashid then came and did his job, it was important that everyone came up and contributed to the win."MI New York skipper Kieron Pollard praised Pooran and Rashid for their contributions. "It was a nice toss to win, bowling in this heat. The bowlers came up well and managed to stay with their plans," said Pollard. "We've made a few additions to the team, everyone understands their responsibility as well."With this victory, MI New York has set the tone for the tournament, demonstrating their determination to defend their title. The team's next match is scheduled to take place shortly, and they will be eager to continue their winning ways.