Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka discussed their player retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, emphasizing their desire to keep only those who approach the game with a winning mindset.
A notable exclusion was KL Rahul, who has captained LSG in all three seasons. The team’s only overseas player retained is Nicholas Pooran, while Ayush Badoni, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi round out the list.
In an interview on Jio Cinema, Goenka stated that they not only sought players with strong selflessness but also aimed to retain their bowling lineup. As reported by ESPN Cricinfo, he said:
“We had a very simple mindset to go in with players who have a mindset to win, who put the team before their personal goals and aspirations. And we wanted to retain as much core as possible within our available purse.”
“We had a strong bowling unit, that’s why we went with three bowlers [Bishnoi, Mayank and Mohsin] from the previous season and all Indians. Pooran was a no-brainer. Ayush has done well for us at No. 6 and No. 7.”
Goenka appeared to have a disagreement with Rahul after LSG’s heavy loss to SunRisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024, where he seemed to criticize the captain’s tactics.
Nicholas Pooran is expected to be named LSG’s new captain
Meanwhile, Pooran, retained for INR 21 crore, is the leading candidate to succeed Rahul as captain. The West Indian has previously played for Punjab Kings and SunRisers Hyderabad but hasn’t held a captaincy role in the IPL, although he did step in during KL Rahul’s injury last season.
However, Pooran led MI New York to the Major League Cricket (MLC) title in 2023. In IPL 2024, he had an impressive season, scoring 499 runs in 14 matches, with an average of 62.37 and a strike rate of 178.21.
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