After announcing their retained players for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Ayush Badoni, and Mohsin Khan—Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka emphasized that the team’s strategy focused on players who prioritized the team’s success over individual accolades.
The IPL 2025 season is set to be a spectacle, and the LSG has already made headlines with their bold retention choices. Steering clear of star-centric strategies, Goenka highlighted a new chapter focused on team cohesion and a winning mindset. This strategic shift saw the franchise retain core players known for their commitment to team objectives while making significant releases, including that of their captain, KL Rahul.
In a much-anticipated announcement, LSG revealed their 2025 retentions, securing key players Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Ayush Badoni, and Mohsin Khan. Pooran, a power-hitter and consistent performer was retained at INR 21 crore, making him the team’s most valuable asset this season. Bishnoi and Yadav followed as crucial bowling options at INR 11 crore each, with Badoni and Mohsin Khan adding depth to the squad individually at Rs. 4 crore.
Goenka elaborated, “The decision to retain Nicholas Pooran was almost instantaneous, within two minutes. Our approach was clear: retain players driven by the desire to win and who place team objectives above personal ambitions. Additionally, we aimed to keep as much of our core squad intact within the available budget as possible. We chose three Indian bowlers (Bishnoi, Mayank, and Mohsin) based on their performances last season. Ayush has also impressed us with his role at No. 6 and No. 7.”
Goenka’s comments offered insight into the rationale behind these choices. “Nicholas Pooran was an automatic retention within two minutes,” he said, emphasizing the franchise’s preference for players prioritizing collective success over personal goals. This philosophy underscores the importance of synergy and a team-first mentality in LSG’s approach.
Alongside Rahul, LSG released Quinton de Kock, Krunal Pandya, Naveen-ul-Haq, Deepak Hooda, and Marcus Stoinis. The team holds a right-to-match (RTM) card and enters the mega auction with a purse of INR 69 crore.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans (2022 IPL champions) retained Rashid Khan (Rs. 18 crore), captain Shubman Gill (Rs. 16.5 crore), B Sai Sudharsan (Rs. 8.5 crore), Rahul Tewatia, and Shahrukh Khan (Rs. 4 crore each). They released David Miller and Mohammed Shami, holding Rs. 69 crore for the auction. Vikram Solanki, GT’s Director of Cricket, expressed gratitude to their outgoing players and looked forward to assembling a competitive team for the next season, adding, “Their commitment was commendable, and we wish them success in future endeavors. Some may even return post-auction.”
“Our goal is to create a team prioritizing success as a group. “We want players who understand that their contributions are vital for the greater good, not just their personal records”
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka
Arguably, the biggest surprise of the retention announcement was the release of KL Rahul, LSG’s captain for three seasons. Rahul, known for his batting prowess and leadership, had been a cornerstone of the team’s strategy. However, Goenka’s decision to part ways signals a shift in priorities.
The decision to release Rahul was not an isolated one. LSG also released Quinton de Kock, Krunal Pandya, Naveen-ul-Haq, Deepak Hooda, and Marcus Stoinis. Each of these players had contributed to LSG’s campaign in various capacities, but the franchise’s new direction called for hard choices to be made. With a refreshed INR 69 crore auction purse and a right-to-match (RTM) card, LSG is poised to make impactful acquisitions that align with its new ethos.
BUILDING A BALANCED SQUAD: THE FOCUS ON CORE STRENGTHS
Retaining Bishnoi, Yadav, and Mohsin was a testament to LSG’s commitment to bolstering their bowling arsenal. The trio’s collective performances in previous seasons underscored their ability to change games and maintain pressure on opponents. Goenka noted that maintaining a solid bowling lineup was essential for competitive consistency.
Ayush Badoni’s retention, at a relatively modest price of INR 4 crore, was another strategic move. Badoni’s adaptability to play in middle and lower-order positions has provided LSG with reliable late-inning performances, making him a valuable asset in tight matches. “Ayush has performed admirably at No. 6 and No. 7, showcasing a readiness to take on any challenge the team faces,” Goenka added.
SANJIV GOENKA’S VISION: TEAM UNITY OVER STAR POWER
The overarching theme of Goenka’s strategy for IPL 2025 is clear: build a team that embodies unity and a shared mission. This philosophy resonates in the retention of players like Pooran, who has displayed explosive batting capabilities and a leadership quality that can inspire teammates. LSG aims to cultivate a resilient, cohesive unit that prioritizes collective victory over individual milestones by focusing on players who buy into the team’s vision.
Goenka stated, “Our goal is to create a team prioritizing success as a group. We want players who understand that their contributions are vital for the greater good, not just their personal records.” This team-centric approach is expected to redefine the culture within LSG and set a precedent for how IPL franchises evaluate talent and potential.
COMPARISONS WITH OTHER IPL 2025 RETENTION STRATEGIES
LSG’s strategy is not unique in its core, but it does stand out in execution. While most teams aim for balance, LSG’s pronounced focus on team spirit over individual stardom sets them apart. For instance, the Gujarat Titans (GT), IPL 2022 champions, retained their star spinner Rashid Khan at INR 18 crore and captain Shubman Gill at INR 16.5 crore. Their strategy included younger talents like B Sai Sudharsan and key all-rounders such as Rahul Tewatia.
GT’s Director of Cricket, Vikram Solanki, praised the contributions of their released players, including David Miller and Mohammed Shami, and emphasized that maintaining core strengths while exploring new opportunities is critical. This parallel showcases how different franchises are navigating the retention challenges ahead of IPL 2025.
ANALYZING THE IMPACT ON LSG’S AUCTION STRATEGY
With a purse of Rs. 69 crore, LSG is well-positioned to target impactful players who can complement their retained core. The strategic decision to release high-profile players like Rahul and de Kock frees up significant funds, providing flexibility to bid on promising domestic talents and international stars. The inclusion of the RTM card further bolsters their auction leverage.
Goenka hinted at LSG’s strategy going into the auction, highlighting a focus on acquiring players who align with the team’s collective ethos. “The idea is not just to get names that stand out but to bring in individuals who can integrate seamlessly and enhance our gameplay,” he noted.
CHALLENGES AHEAD: MAINTAINING MOMENTUM AND CONSISTENCY
While Goenka’s team-first approach has potential, it comes with its own set of challenges. The pressure to replace influential players like Rahul with equally competent or more team-oriented players could test LSG’s scouting and negotiation capabilities. Additionally, integrating new players while maintaining the strong culture already set by the retained core will be pivotal to the team’s success.
Fans and analysts will watch how LSG’s fresh outlook impacts their performance in the upcoming season. Will Goenka’s gamble on team unity and strategic depth pay off, or will the absence of marquee stars be a challenge?
A NEW PATH FOR LSG
The 2025 IPL season promises to be a thrilling chapter for LSG as they step into the tournament with a renewed focus on team cohesion. Goenka’s vision prioritizes players who put the team first, setting a course for a more unified and strategically sound squad. This philosophy aims to strengthen LSG’s internal culture and could inspire other franchises to reconsider their value of individual stardom versus collective strength.
With a substantial auction purse and a roster built on shared ambition, LSG is poised to redefine its IPL journey. The results of this strategic pivot will unfold as the season progresses, showcasing whether Goenka’s bold choices can convert into success on the pitch.
