Indian Premier League (IPL) is the richest franchise league in the world. The amount of money the players earn is huge and more than they earn in a year of contract with their respective nations. The Tata IPL 2025 will be the 18th edition of the competition and it is also the oldest franchise league in world cricket as well. The mega auction is set to take place in a few weeks.
The 2025 edition will be much bigger and better with 1,574 players listed, with 1,165 are Indian, and 409 from overseas. These players comprise 320 capped cricketers, with 48 Indian and 272 foreign talents vying for franchises. This talented group includes both known players. Along with budding prodigies looking to create a name for themselves on the IPL stage. All the 10 franchises have retained the required number of players before the big auction.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has not played up to the mark in the last edition of the tournament. After a heated argument between their owner Sanjiv Goenka and KL Rahul. They have let go of their captain ahead of the mega auction. By retaining key performers and promising talents while releasing underperforming players, they aim to strengthen their squad for future challenges. We dive into the players they can target in the IPL 2025 auction with a purse of 69 crore INR.
Here are the 5 players Lucknow Super Giants to pick in the IPL 2025 auction
5. Gerarld Coetzee
Coetzee recently impressed the cricketing world with his outstanding all-round performance against India in the second T20I on November 10, 2024. Not only did he bowl a fantastic stint of 4-0-25-1, but he also made a key cameo appearance of an unbeaten 19 off only nine deliveries, which helped South Africa win.
Coetzee’s ability to perform under duress, both with the ball and the bat, makes him a valuable asset for IPL clubs looking to strengthen their rosters. He will surely be an option for Lucknow in the auction table given his experience in the T20I format.
4. Mohammed Shami
They need an out-and-out new ball bowler and with Shami being released by GT. He can be an option for the franchise. However, has been out of action for a long time due to an ankle injury. Gujarat Titans have let go of their premium bowler ahead of the auction considering his performance in the T20s.
He won the Purple Cap in the 2023 edition of the IPL after he picked up 28 wickets from 17 matches. But missing out on last season and injury concerns let go of him. But Lucknow will surely love to acquire his services given his experience.
3. Glenn Maxwell
Maxwell is poised to attract significant attention in the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. Despite a decline in form during the IPL 2024 season, Maxwell’s particular skill set remains a desirable commodity for clubs looking to improve their squads.
Maxwell performed below expectations, scoring 52 runs and taking six wickets for RCB. This dip in form influenced RCB’s decision not to retain him ahead of the IPL 2025 super auction. Maxwell has shown understanding for the franchise’s decision, but he remains one of the contenders about his future in the league.
2. Washington Sundar
LSG has already kept three young Indian bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, and Mohsin Khan. They may now target Washington Sundar, a versatile batsman and bowler. Sundar’s expertise would benefit LSG’s spin department and middle order. He’s projected to sell for roughly INR 8-10 crore during the auction.
He only played two IPL 2024 matches, taking one wicket and surrendering 73 runs in five overs. However, LSG may make good use of him, like they did with Krunal Pandya. He can bowl with the new ball while also batting higher in the order.
1. Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer might be an excellent substitute for KL Rahul as both captain and batsman. He has demonstrated leadership by leading KKR to the IPL 2024 title and DC to the IPL 2020 final. Now that he is available for auction, LSG may consider him for the leadership position.
Iyer’s steadiness with the bat and leadership experience make him a good prospect, for LSG. He is also a good player of spin and can bat in tough spinning conditions of Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium. Shreyas would also love to work with a new franchise.
