The Lucknow Super Giants have confirmed Nicholas Pooran’s retention for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. While there was little doubt about retaining Pooran, discussions revolved around whether to designate him as the first retention or stick with KL Rahul. Currently, indications suggest Rahul may depart from the team, making Pooran the likely candidate to step into the captaincy role.
Still, the franchise remains open to securing a new captain, and if players like Rishabh Pant or Shreyas Iyer become available at auction, Lucknow is prepared to make a bid. Pooran recently met with team owner Sanjeev Goenka in Kolkata on October 29 to finalize his retention. He will be paid INR 18 crore, the maximum amount set by the BCCI for top-tier retentions—an increase of INR 2 crore from his previous earnings.
“Pooran is deeply committed to LSG; he has a winning mindset, strategic thinking, and adaptability for any batting order and situation,” an LSG official told Cricbuzz.
ALSO READ: CSK Drops Major Hint On IPL 2025 Retentions Ahead Of Deadline
Pooran’s performance over the past two seasons with Lucknow has indeed justified the retention. In the 2023 season, he played 15 matches, scoring 358 runs with a strike rate of 172.94. He raised the bar in the 2024 season, amassing 499 runs across 14 games at a staggering strike rate of 178.21.
Nicholas Pooran has reportedly become LSG’s top #IPL retention and will earn a salary of ₹18 crorehttps://t.co/GKy0xAnh7z
— TOI Sports (@toisports) October 30, 2024
Nicholas Pooran even took on a leadership role, stepping in as captain when KL Rahul played as an Impact Player in a match against Punjab Kings. Alongside Pooran, Lucknow plans to retain promising players like Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Ayush Badoni, and Mohsin Khan.
ALSO READ: KKR’s Bold Move: Reports Indicate Andre Russell May Not Be Retained Ahead Of IPL 2025 Auction
Ayush Badoni’s recent standout performance in the Delhi Premier League has solidified his spot in the uncapped retention category along with Mohsin. Mayank Yadav, seen as a future star of India’s pace lineup, has also earned the franchise’s confidence, with Lucknow prepared to invest significantly to keep him on board. These moves signal Lucknow’s intent to build a robust, competitive lineup for IPL 2025.
