The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 announced revised guidelines for the mega auction, allowing each franchise to retain six players. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who finished seventh on the table in 2024, might make several reinforcements, and also release some of their star players going into their fourth season.

Each franchise can retain six players, including capped and uncapped players; or also use RTM options during the auction if they have not used all of their six slots.

Find the implications of the new IPL player regulations here.

LSG qualified for the playoffs in their debut season in 2022, and also in the next season, finishing third on the table on both occasions. In 2024, they managed only seven wins in 14 matches and missed a playoff berth by three spots. Here are the players LSG might retain for the IPL 2025.

KL Rahul - in or out?

Skipper KL Rahul had to cope with much criticism over the team’s failure to make the playoffs in 2024. Fans suspected that the management might look for his replacement in search of their maiden IPL title. However, it is only reasonable to retain the wicketkeeper-batter given his credentials with the bat, scoring 520 runs at an average of 37.14 and a strike rate of 136.13 in the IPL 2024. He has averaged over 35 in seven of his last eight seasons, and he promises to have another prolific year with the bat for LSG.

Another veteran who is among the favourites to make the cut is Marcus Stoinis. The Australian allrounder has scored 796 runs at an impressive strike rate of 148.78 in the last two seasons. His unbeaten 124 off 63 balls to take his side over the line, chasing 211, against defending champions Chennai Super Kings in 2024, just emphasises his adeptness to win matches on his own.

De Kock conundrum for LSG

The LSG management faces a pivotal decision regarding Quinton de Kock's position in the squad. The South African star, although an accomplished opener on the world stage, did not quite cut the mustard in the previous season for LSG. He scored 250 runs at an average of 22.73 in 11 matches.

De Kock’s 453 runs in 12 matches in the Caribbean Premier League could put him back in consideration for the retention. Although, he has only scored 307 runs at an average of 25.28 in 12 T20Is in 2024. Given his inconsistencies in the year, LSG might not be keen on holding onto the 31-year-old.

Nicholas Pooran is an overseas star LSG would look to keep hold of after his heroics in the IPL 2024. He scored 499 runs at an average of 62.38 and an explosive strike rate of 178.21 in 14 matches.

Ravi Bishnoi could also keep his spot in the squad, given the x-factor wrist spinners provide in T20s. This might, however, be through the RTM strategy rather than a player retention. Allrounder Ayush Badoni and speedster Mayank Yadav showed a lot of promise in the previous seasons and may also return to LSG.

LSG: Possible player retentions for IPL 2025

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