It seems that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have already narrowed down on their first retention ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Nicholas Pooran, the explosive West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman is set to be the first pick for the franchise ahead of the retention deadline after the player met owner Sanjiv Goenka in Kolkata. The IPL retention deadline date is fast approaching and all eyes are on the franchises as they pick the players they would want to keep ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, likely to take place later this year. IPL 2025 Retentions: Lucknow Super Giants Set to Retain Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni Ahead of Mega Auction, Says Report.

According to a report in Cricbuzz, the 29-year-old will be the No 1 retention for LSG after he signed a deal. Nicholas Pooran thus pens a deal for Rs 18 crore as per the retention rules set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) earlier this year. This marks an increase in the monetary value for the player who was signed by LSG for a sum of Rs 16 crore at the IPL auction two years ago. Nicholas Pooran has scored 857 runs for LSG in the two seasons he has played for them and has also stepped in as captain whenever he has been required to do so, being KL Rahul's deputy. IPL 2025 Retention Deadline: Know Date, Rules, Live Streaming Details and All You Need To Know About Player Retentions Ahead of Indian Premier League Mega Auction.

The franchise however looks set to part ways with KL Rahul, who is reportedly heading to the IPL 2025 mega auction. If LSG do not retain or sign KL Rahul back both of which seem unlikely, Nicholas Pooran can be a captaincy option for LSG as well. LSG had failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in IPL 2024 after making it to the last four in their first years in the tournament. Earlier, LSG roped in Zaheer Khan as their team mentor with the former Indian national cricket team fast bowler replacing Gautam Gambhir, who had left to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2024.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2024 10:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).