KL Rahul’s exit confirmed, as Nicholas Pooran set to be top retention for LSG: Reports

ESPNCRICINFO have reported that KL Rahul is set for a swift exit from Lucknow Super Giants. The move comes just days before the teams have to submit their names that are to be retained for the coming season of Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The move was in motion with KL Rahul having made up his mind to quit the franchise. 

West Indian batter Nicholas Pooran is set to be the top retention as per reports carried by ESPNCRICINFO. The left-handed batter has been one of the best T20I batters and his performances during the IPL 2024 were spectacular. If Pooran is made the top retained player then there is a chance he could be given the reins of the team for the new season. 

KL Rahul signed for Lucknow Super Giants after a few years with Punjab Kings. The right-handed batter led the team to playoffs in 2022. This was followed by an injury which saw Rahul miss half of the IPL 2023 season. Lucknow’s ten-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad caused a huge incident in the sidelines. 

Sanjiv Goenka was seen having an animated chat with the skipper just after the match. The visuals set the tongues wagging that Rahul was set to be sacked as the captain. LSG saw out the season with the same captain while missing out on the playoffs. 

Uncapped Indian duo all set to be retained 

Apart from Nicholas Pooran, young Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi is set to be retained. The 24-year-old didn’t have a great IPL 2024 season but the team management seems to have confidence in the youngster. 

Indian pace sensation Mayank Yadav is set to be the third retention for Lucknow ahead of the IPL 2025 season. The 22-year-old made an immediate impact with his pace where he bowled at 156.7 KMPH. 

The other two retained players are set to be uncapped duo, Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan. The two players have done with the bat and ball for LSG in the last few campaigns. Ayush Badoni in particular was impressive as he played a few key knocks for the team. Mohsin Khan has been a key player with the new ball and is also very instrumental in the death overs.