IPL 2025: Iyer To Captain? 3 Marquee Players LSG Will Target In Mega Auction

Arnav Chopra

Shreyas Iyer Could Get A Bid From LSG (Source: @KnightsVibe/x.com)Shreyas Iyer Could Get A Bid From LSG (Source: @KnightsVibe/x.com)

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It is almost a spectacle during this time of the year when 10 Indian Premier League (IPL) teams with their astute minds sit together in a tense boardroom forming strategies and combinations about what could be their best team for the upcoming three years.

This year, too, when the IPL auction happens in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the 24th and 25th of November, teams will be sweating out despite AC being turned to full. One such team that is depending a lot on this auction is Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Previously led by KL Rahul, the Lucknow side had an underwhelming 2024 season, finishing seventh on the table. Before the 2025 season, the Super Giants have retained five players, i.e. Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni, releasing their captain KL Rahul.

So, let's have a look at the top three marquee players that will be on LSG's radar during the mega auction:

Jos Buttler (Base Price - INR 2 Cr)

Why will LSG target Jos Buttler?

  • LSG had a dynamic opener in Quinton De Kock previously and even if they buy QDK back, he would need someone to go partner him at the top. Jos Buttler would be the perfect guy to attack in the powerplay.
  • England's white-ball captain had a decent IPL 2024 with 359 runs from 11 matches while hammering two centuries this year. His best season was 2022, when he managed 863 runs from 17 games for the Rajasthan Royals.
  • Buttler's quality is in his ability to take charge from ball one and then take the onus to bat till the end of the innings. The things about him is, if he scores, he scores big.

Shreyas Iyer (Base Price - INR 2 Cr)

Why will LSG target Shreyas Iyer?

  • You are bound to be a hot commodity, if you have just won the IPL. This thing stands true for Shreyas Iyer, who will likely go for a very high price, considering five teams are eyeing captains at this stage. LSG seems unlikely to return to KL Rahul, which opens up chances for them to bid aggressively for Iyer.
  • With the bat, Iyer is equally responsible and aggressive, amassing over 3000 runs in his IPL career. Last season, he was instrumental in helping KKR to lift the title while scoring 351 runs with the bat.
  • Iyer is known to be a middle-order aggressor who takes on the opposition when run-scoring is difficult, especially when spinners are on the charge.

Mohammad Shami (Base Price - INR 2 Cr)

Why will LSG target Mohammad Shami?

  • One of the finest Indian bowlers of this generation, Mohammad Shami, would be one of the most sought-after bowlers in the auction who is experienced and has specialist skills.
  • LSG's Mayank Yadav is quick but inexperienced and needs someone to mentor him on-field during the game. Shami could very well fulfil that role and provide a cushion in case something goes wrong for young Mayank.
  • Shami did not feature in the 2024 season due to injury but rocked everyone in 2023 with a purple cap to his name, scalping 28 wickets from just 17 games at an economy of 8.03.