Former Indian cricketer and famous commentator Aakash Chopra has advised Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to retain three players before the IPL 2025 auction. He said that captain KL Rahul must be retained. Akash warned that if Rahul was released, he would easily get Rs 18 crore in the auction. Let us tell you that a franchise can retain a maximum of 6 players.
Akash said on his YouTube channel, “In my opinion, there are three players whom LSG can retain. The fourth could have been in the form of an uncapped Indian but he would not remain uncapped. I am talking about Mayank Yadav. Mayank will get India cap before 31st October. If he makes his international debut then there is no point in retaining him. Then RTM (Right to Match) card can be used for Mayank.
The former cricketer said, “First is KL Rahul because you want to make him the captain also. He is the face of the franchise. He is not going to get it for Rs 18 crores. If Rahul goes to the auction, he will definitely take 18 crores. You don’t leave the captain anyway. It is very important for the captain to remain there for continuity, attachment, love and relationship. LSG made its IPL debut in the year 2022 and since then Rahul has been leading the franchise.
Akash further said, “At number two is Nicholas Pooran of West Indies. LSG had given Rs 16 crore to Puran last time. He is that much of a player. Considering the kind of performance he has performed in T20 cricket, Puran should be retained. He is a fantastic player. He said, “I am not thinking of any Indian at number three. I am not thinking about Devdutt Padikkal, Ravi Bishnoi because the spinner is not going to go to Rs 11 crore.
The commentator said, “I am not thinking about Krunal Pandya.” He is good. Their skill level is limited in availability. Krunal will get Rs 11 crore more. I am thinking of Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis at number three. He was retained earlier also for Rs 10 crores. He is a game changer player. I’m thinking of these three. If Mayank remains uncapped, then let him too, otherwise let him go in the auction and use RTM.
