3 best RTM candidates for LSG at the IPL 2025 auction ft. Krunal Pandya
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) had an underwhelming campaign in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). As off-field talk garnered headlines, KL Rahul and his men missed out on the playoffs for the first time in their short history in the league.
Since then, the Super Giants have attempted to make wholesale changes to their squad. Rahul has been released, and it's safe to assume that he won't be heading back to Lucknow at the auction.
Having retained Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni, LSG will have one capped RTM to use on November 24 and 25. While their choices are slightly limited on that front, they should be able to use it well.
On that note, here are the three best RTM candidates for LSG at the IPL 2025 auction.
#3 Naveen-ul-Haq
One of the smartest bowlers going around in world cricket, Naveen-ul-Haq could be a budget RTM option for LSG at the IPL 2025 auction. An excellent employer of cutters who can bowl at all stages of the innings, the Afghanistan quick bowler has been a valuable asset at the Ekana Stadium in recent times.
LSG have to build their entire batting lineup from scratch, having retained three frontline bowlers. It's safe to assume that they will reserve a greater portion of their funds for that department, making Naveen an interesting proposition.
#2 Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya, who has led LSG at times, is an obvious choice to be RTMed at the IPL 2025 auction. The left-arm spinner is one of the league's best defensive spinners and will lengthen the batting order.
Incredibly, Krunal has never had an economy rate above eight in any of his seasons so far. Statistically the IPL's best left-arm spinner against left-handers, he has a big role to play through the middle overs. As someone who can hit pace at the death, he will be a big part of any franchise.
Left-arm spinners who can bat will be in demand at the IPL 2025 auction, and LSG will do well to get their marquee all-rounder back.
#1 Marcus Stoinis
Speaking of marquee all-rounders, Marcus Stoinis was signed in the pre-auction draft back in 2022. He has been an integral part of the side since then, contributing heavily with both bat and ball.
Overseas pace-bowling all-rounders of high quality will be hard to find at the IPL 2025 auction. While Stoinis has his limitations, including an inability to bowl anywhere but the middle overs and a clear weakness against spin, he is still one of the better options out there.
If the Super Giants don't want to splurge on a player like Marco Jansen, bringing back Stoinis via an RTM seems a fairly straightforward decision.