Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has made a compelling case for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to prioritize the retention of key players KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra emphasized that retaining these players is crucial for LSG’s future success in the league.
Chopra highlighted Rahul’s impressive performance in IPL 2024, where he scored a total of 520 runs. “The first is KL Rahul because you want to make him the captain, and he is the face of the franchise,” Chopra stated. He further noted that losing Rahul to the auction would be a significant setback, as he believes no other player could match his value, estimating that he would command around Rs 18 crores if he were to enter the bidding.
Importance of Nicholas Pooran
In addition to Rahul, Chopra also underscored the importance of retaining Nicholas Pooran. The West Indian batsman was acquired by LSG for Rs 16 crores during the last auction and has consistently delivered strong performances in T20 cricket. “At No. 2, I would say Nicholas Pooran… don’t even think about it, you have to retain him,” Chopra asserted, emphasizing Pooran’s impact on the team.
Pooran’s explosive batting style and ability to change games make him an invaluable asset for LSG. His retention would not only bolster the team’s batting lineup but also maintain a competitive edge in the fast-paced T20 format.
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Marcus Stoinis: A Game-Changer
For the third retention spot, Chopra leaned towards Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. He praised Stoinis for his previous contributions to Lucknow Super Giants and highlighted his potential as a game-changer. “The third I am thinking of is Marcus Stoinis because they had retained him for 10 crores earlier, and he is that game-changer kind of a player,” Chopra explained.
Stoinis has proven his worth in various T20 leagues around the world, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Retaining him would provide LSG with a versatile player capable of making significant contributions with both bat and ball.
Considering Uncapped Talent
Chopra also mentioned Mayank Yadav as a potential uncapped retention option for LSG, depending on his performance in the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. Yadav has shown promise in domestic cricket and could be a valuable addition to LSG’s roster if he continues to impress.
The IPL’s new retention rules allow each franchise to retain a maximum of six players, including up to five capped players and two uncapped players. This flexibility enables teams like LSG to build a strong core while also incorporating emerging talent into their squads.
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