IPL 2025: KL Rahul to move out as LSG zero down on their retentions before Mega Auction

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise had their worst campaign to date during the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Lucknow Super Giants are yet to make a final call on whether to retain wicketkeeper batter and skipper KL Rahul, according to a report by The Indian Express.

The KL Rahul-led side failed to finish in the top four during the IPL 2024, after making the playoffs in their first two editions in the league.

They finished in seventh place in the 10-team table with seven wins in 14 matches. Rahul received criticism for his leadership during some matches in the IPL 2024.

The LSG skipper was involved in an animated discussion with franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka after a 10-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Goenka was seen gesturing with his hands at KL Rahul during a conversation at the boundary line, which sparked speculation about the batter's future with LSG.

Lucknow Super Giants Set to Part Ways With KL Rahul?

The Lucknow Super Giants are expected to retain uncapped players, Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan, along with West Indian star Nicholas Pooran. However, the franchise has yet to decide on the future of KL Rahul.

In the IPL 2024 season, KL Rahul scored 520 runs in 14 innings with an average of 37.14 and a decent strike rate of 136.12. The Lucknow-based franchise had acquired Rahul as a draft pick for Rs 17 crore, alongside Marcus Stoinis for Rs 10 crore and Ravi Bishnoi for Rs 4 crore before the IPL 2022 auction.

In the IPL 2024, Nicholas Pooran scored 499 runs at an impressive average of 62.38 and an outstanding strike rate of 178.21. Pooran is expected to play a similar role for LSG in the IPL 2025. Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan have become valuable assets. Badoni has shown promise as a middle-order batter.

Punjab Kings To Retain Arshdeep Singh Along With Two Uncapped Players

The report also added that the Punjab Kings are in discussions to retain fast bowler Arshdeep Singh for the upcoming IPL 2025 season.

The franchise is also looking to retain uncapped players Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, who made crucial contributions to the team with the bat earlier this year.

Arshdeep Singh was the Kings' second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024, taking 19 wickets in 14 innings.

Ashutosh Sharma scored 189 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 167.26. Shashank Singh was the top scorer for PBKS, with 354 runs in 14 games at an average of 44.25 and a strike rate of 164.65.

Ricky Ponting To Coach Punjab Kings In IPL 2025 Season

The Punjab Kings have yet to win an IPL title and have only made it to the knockout stage twice.

The Punjab franchise will need to find a new permanent captain for the upcoming season after Shikhar Dhawan's recent retirement. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting will take over as head coach for PBKS.

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