Nicholas Pooran to Be Retained for ₹20 Crore by Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025

West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran is poised to be retained by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹20 crore, as reported by the Times of India. LSG has reportedly selected Pooran as their primary retention choice, potentially making him one of the highest-paid players in the IPL's history. While there are indications that KL Rahul will not be retained, it does not guarantee that Pooran will automatically take over the captaincy, as LSG is considering options including Rishabh Pant depending on his availability during the auction.

Sources within the IPL indicate that the agreement to retain Pooran was reached swiftly, with mentor Zaheer Khan and coach Justin Langer involved in the discussions. Additionally, fast bowler Mayank Yadav and spinner Ravi Bishnoi are expected to be retained alongside Pooran.

Lucknow is projected to invest around ₹40 crore on retaining its capped and overseas players, while uncapped players like Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan will receive compensation based on agreements with the franchise.

In related news, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is set to retain Australian batter Travis Head and young Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy as their final two capped players ahead of the IPL auction.