Not KL Rahul! This Star Batter Signs Blockbuster 18 Crore Retention Deal With Lucknow Super Giants: Report

KL Rahul’s future with Lucknow Super Giants is yet to be sorted out but the franchise has already executed its first retention deal. As per a Cricbuzz report, Nicholas Pooran put pen to paper with LSG to become their first retention ahead of IPL 2025. As per Cricbuzz, Pooran arrived at the head office of the RPSG group in Kolkata on Tuesday and met owner Sanjiv Goenka ahead of signing the deal. He became LSG’s first retention and will take home a whopping 18 crore in the upcoming season. Pooran was bought for 16 crore in the 2023 auction in Dubai and will have his hands full next campaign. An LSG official told Cricbuzz, "Pooran is committed to LSG, possesses a winning mindset, thinks deep and above all he is adaptable to the batting order and any match situation.” Pooran’s retention will now definitely raise questions about Rahul’s future. Reports have been hovering that the Indian batter will not be retained by the franchise and will enter the auction as a free player. Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan could be the other four retentions ahead of the IPL retention deadline day on October 31. Pooran was at his best as he shot to fame with his 499-run tally in IPL 2024. The West Indies batter hit three half centuries in the proceedings 35 fours and 36 sixes. He also is leading the run scoring charts in T20 cricket in 2024 having racked up 2251 runs so far. Should Rahul leave LSG, he will be a hot property in the auction. Rumours are rife that Royal Challengers Bengaluru are very keen in securing his services. RCB might let go of Faf du Plessis and in that case, Rahul might be seen leading Virat Kohli in IPL 2025.