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IPL 2025: Former Indian cricketer and famous commentator Aakash Chopra has advised Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to retain all three of their players before the IPL 2025 auction. He said that captain KL Rahul should be retained. Akash warned that if Rahul was released, he would easily get Rs 18 crore in the auction. It is worth noting that a franchise can retain a maximum of 6 players.
Akash said, 'I think there are three players whom LSG can retain. The fourth could have been in the form of an uncapped Indian but it would not be uncapped. I am talking about Mayank Yadav. Mayank will get the India cap before 31st October. If he has made his debut in international cricket 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 also want to become the captain. He is the face of the franchise. It will not be available for Rs 18 crore. If Rahul enters the auction then he will get Rs 18 crores. Still, don't leave the Captain. It is very important to maintain a captain for continuity, connection, love and relationships. LSG made its IPL debut in the year 2022 and since then Rahul has been at the helm of the franchise.
Akash further said that Nicholas Pooran of West Indies is at number two. LSG had given Rs 16 crore to Puran last time. He is such a player. Considering the kind of performance Puran has performed in T20 cricket, he should be retained. He is a great player. He said, 'Nobody is thinking about number three. I am not thinking about Devdutt Padikkal, Ravi Bishnoi because spinners are not going to go for Rs 11 crore.
The commentator said, 'I am not thinking about Krunal Pandya. It is good. His skill level is limited in achievement. Krunal's Rs 11 crore will increase. I am thinking of Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis at number three. Earlier also he was retained for Rs 10 crores. He is a game changer player. I am thinking about these three. If Mayank remains uncapped then let him remain, otherwise use RTM by auctioning.