Former BCCI chief selector predicts potential change in leadership for KL Rahul at LSG

Recently, the two crossed paths in Kolkata and engaged in a discussion about the franchise's upcoming season plans.

Former BCCI chief selector Saba Karim feels that LSG might retain KL Rahul for the next season alongside Nicholas Pooran, but the latter would be their first pick.

"Nicholas Pooran has to be the No. 1 pick for them. They do have some options but top of the game has to be KL Rahul if they want to continue with him. Whatever we have noticed, it seems like they would retain him. It has to be KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran", he said on Sports 18.

However, Karim made a bold claim that LSG might sack Rahul as captain and choose Pooran to take over the leadership charge of the side.

"We may see a change of guard at the top. So what about Nicholas Pooran because he has led sides in some of the other leagues. So we may see a change of guard but they may go ahead with KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran as the two obvious picks. What about Quinton de Kock? He is the other option they have," the former India wicketkeeper-batter added.

Meanwhile, a team can retain a maximum of six players ahead of the mega auction. It can be either via retention or by using the Right to Match (RTM) option.

Karim further suggested that LSG might look for Ayush Badoni as another retention option for the uncapped player category. While he also feel that veteran Amit Mishra could also be an uncapped option for them with new rules introduced by the BCCI for inactive and retired players.

"I am looking at Ayush Badoni. He is in fine form and he will be a mainstay for LSG. Now he can bowl his right-arm off-spinners in case it is required. Ravi Bishnoi is another option. What about Amit Mishra? He can be your uncapped player," he observed.