IPL Auction 2025: Lucknow Super Giants snub Rishabh Pant as they finalize KL Rahul's replacement

All ten franchises have completed their player retention processes in preparation for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, which is expected to take place later this month. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have released their captain, KL Rahul, after speculation about his exit since the IPL 2024.

KL Rahul signed a contract with the Lucknow Super Giants before the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. The right-handed batter was appointed as captain of the new franchise. Under his leadership, the Super Giants reached the playoffs in their first two seasons but failed to qualify for the playoffs during the IPL 2024.

The Lucknow-based franchise has retained five players, including Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, and Ayush Badoni. It looks like Pooran will lead the team in next year's tournament. The southpaw led the Lucknow team in some matches last season when Rahul was injured.

Lucknow Super Giants Looking at Ishan Kishan To Replace KL Rahul

There were rumors that the franchise might pursue Rishabh Pant, who was also released by the Delhi Capitals (DC). However, according to a recent report from the PTI news agency, the Lucknow management will target Ishan Kishan from the Mumbai Indians (MI) to replace KL Rahul for the IPL 2025 season.

Kishan was released by the Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. However, the Mumbai franchise can use a right-to-match (RTM) for Ishan during the upcoming auction. The left-handed batter has been a vital player for MI over the years but scored 320 runs at an average under 23 in the IPL 2024.

It Was A Simple Mindset To Go In For Players - Sanjiv Goenka

Speaking about the retentions, Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka said that they have retained players who prioritize winning and the team's success over personal goals and personal aspirations. Goenka hinted that Rahul prioritized personal goals ahead of the team while playing for Lucknow.

"It was a simple mindset to go in for players, who have a mindset to win, who put the team before their personal goals and personal aspirations,” Sanjiv Goenka said.

Lucknow Super Giants Players Retained

Nicholas Pooran - Rs 21 crore

Ravi Bishnoi - Rs 11 crore

Mayank Yadav - Rs 11 crore

Ayush Badoni - Rs 4 crore

Mohsin Khan - Rs 4 crore

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Eyeing KL Rahul In IPL 2025 Mega Auction

On the other hand, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who have a purse of Rs 83 crore, is reportedly eyeing KL Rahul in the IPL 2025 auction. There are speculations that Rahul might be a candidate for the captaincy, even though there are rumors that Virat Kohli may return as the RCB team's captain.

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