The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction promises to be an eventful one, with all ten franchises making strategic decisions to retain core players while letting go of some prominent names. Among the notable moves is the release of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul. In a surprising move, LSG, who have kept five key players for the next season, opted to part ways with their captain.
Top on their retention list were Nicholas Pooran for INR 21 crores and Ravi Bishnoi for INR 11 crores, alongside Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Ayush Badoni. With one Right-To-Match (RTM) card at their disposal, the Super Giants have a crucial decision to make regarding which player they might attempt to reacquire during the IPL 2025 mega auction.
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3 Players Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Might Target Through Their RTM Card
3. Kyle Mayers: The Explosive Opener
West Indies all-rounder Kyle Mayers has shown himself to be a formidable T20 player and a reliable choice for LSG in previous seasons. After joining the team in IPL 2023, Mayers made an impact as a hard-hitting opener, amassing 379 runs in 13 matches at an average of 29.15 and an impressive strike rate of 144.11. His fearless approach and ability to take down bowlers in the powerplay have solidified his reputation as a game-changer.
Since LSG’s current roster lacks an opening batter among its retentions, the team may prioritize an opener during the auction, and Mayers is an ideal candidate to rejoin the squad. His ability to contribute with the ball as a medium-pacer who can swing the new ball is an added advantage. His presence as a flexible all-rounder who can deliver in both batting and bowling would provide LSG with the flexibility they need at the top of the order. Reacquiring Mayers through the RTM card could be a strategic move to ensure they have a dependable opener for the upcoming season.
2. Marcus Stoinis: The Dependable All-Rounder
A familiar face for the Super Giants, Marcus Stoinis has been a staple in LSG’s lineup since their debut season in the IPL. Known for his dependable batting and powerful finishing, Stoinis was an integral part of LSG’s success across the last three seasons. He scored the second-highest runs for the franchise, amassing 952 runs with a solid strike rate of 148.51 and an average of 28.84. His finishing prowess, combined with his knack for playing crucial match-winning knocks, made him a fan favorite.
Stoinis’s contributions aren’t limited to just batting. As a handy medium-pace bowler, he has taken 13 wickets over three seasons, proving his all-around value. His consistent performance and experience make him a valuable player, and his release surprised many fans. Bringing back Stoinis with an RTM card would allow LSG to restore a crucial player who can strengthen both their batting and bowling departments. Given his track record with the franchise and his capability to turn games around, using the RTM option on Stoinis could be a wise investment for LSG in the upcoming auction.
1. Krunal Pandya: The Seasoned All-Rounder with Leadership Qualities
Krunal Pandya, an experienced IPL player and all-rounder, could be another target for LSG with the RTM card. Known for his ability to make an impact with both bat and ball, Krunal’s versatile skill set has been valuable to LSG. In his time with the franchise, he scored 504 runs and took 25 wickets in 43 matches. Though his performance in the IPL 2024 season didn’t meet expectations, his experience and overall record with the team remain solid.
Krunal also brings leadership experience to the table, having captained LSG during Rahul’s absence due to injury in IPL 2023. His understanding of the game and the respect he commands among teammates are assets that go beyond statistics. Moreover, Indian all-rounders with a reliable track record in both batting and bowling tend to attract high bids, making Krunal a sought-after option in any lineup. Using the RTM card to retain Krunal would allow LSG to re-establish their middle-order stability and bowling depth. His familiarity with the franchise setup and his valuable leadership experience make him an attractive choice.
Lucknow Super Giants face critical choices as they head into the IPL 2025 mega auction with just five retained players and a sole RTM card. With KL Rahul’s departure, the team will seek to bring back players who can fill pivotal roles and enhance their chances for a successful season. Kyle Mayers’ power-hitting and bowling options, Marcus Stoinis’ all-around consistency, and Krunal Pandya’s leadership and dual-threat capability are all reasons LSG might use their RTM card on one of these three players.
The decision will ultimately depend on LSG’s strategy to balance their squad, cover key roles, and, most importantly, rebuild a competitive unit for the upcoming season. As the auction draws near, LSG fans eagerly anticipate which familiar face might return to the Super Giants’ lineup, thanks to the RTM card, to lead them into the IPL 2025 season with renewed strength and determination.
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FAQ
Why did LSG release KL Rahul?
LSG parted ways with Rahul after three seasons; reasons remain undisclosed.
Who are LSG’s retained players for 2025?
Pooran, Bishnoi, Yadav, Mohsin, and Badoni.
What is the RTM card?
It lets LSG re-sign one released player during the auction.
Who might LSG target with the RTM card?
Likely options include Kyle Mayers, Marcus Stoinis, or Krunal Pandya.
