IPL 2025 – Lucknow Super Giants wanted to retain ‘players with a winning mentality’

According to Goenka, Puran was an “automatic choice” as the team’s top retention and the decision to retain him took “two minutes”. “We had a very simple mindset to go with players who have a winning mentality, who put the team ahead of their individual goals and aspirations,” he said. “And we wanted to have as much core as possible in our available purse. We had a strong bowling unit, that’s why we went with three bowlers [Bishnoi, Mayank and Mohsin] From last season and from all Indians. Puran was a foolish person. Ayush [Badoni] The No. 6 and No. 7 positions have performed well for us.”

While Rahul was LSG’s top scorer in IPL 2024 with 520 runs at a strike rate of 136, Pooran’s 499 runs came at a strike rate of 178.

Mayank made his IPL debut in 2024 but played only four matches before being ruled out due to injury. He made a strong impression at that time with his 150 kmph speed and won two Player of the Match awards.

Mohsin and Bishnoi took only 10 wickets each in IPL 2024, while Badoni scored only 235 runs in the lower-middle order. But with Mohsin only 26, and Bishnoi and Badoni both 24, LSG sees them as long-term prospects.

With five players retained, including two uncapped players, at a total cost of Rs 51 crore, LSG has Rs 69 crore left to spend in the mega auction. If they wish to buy back one of their capped players they have a right-to-match option to exercise.