In the future Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) preparing to release their captain, KL Rahul. The decision will mark a dramatic change for the franchise, which has considered Rahul a cornerstone since he joined the team in 2022, multiple media outlets reported.
The issue of Rahul’s retention has been a hotly debated topic in recent months and now reports suggest that the LSG management is ready to take a different approach going forward.
KL Rahul’s retention: a hotly debated topic
According to a report by the Times of India, ongoing internal discussions led to the team’s disappointing performance in the 2024 season, where they finished seventh in the points table.
“The LSG management, including Zaheer Khan and Justin Langer, analyzed his statistics and found that the team lost almost all the matches in which KL batted and scored for a long time.” an IPL source told TOI.
“This shows that his batting speed does not match the speed of the game. Scores go up with the Impact Player rule. You can’t afford to have someone take that long at the top of the order“, the source added.
Also READ: 3 reasons why SRH should keep Abdul Samad as uncapped player in IPL 2025 mega auction
Rahul’s strike rate and recent performance are scrutinized
Rahul’s strike rate has been a concern for some time now. Although he has posted consistent run totals over the years, his style of play – often anchoring the innings while consuming a large number of deliveries – has drawn criticism in the evolving landscape of T20 cricket, where quick scoring is essential.
Adding to the pressure on Rahul is his recent performance in international cricket. In the first test match Indiavs. ‘s series New ZealandRahul managed just one duck in the first innings and 12 runs in the second. India’s subsequent loss by eight wickets only fueled the conversation around Rahul’s form and ability to perform at crucial moments.
Link for Lucknow Super Giants
For Lucknow Super Giants, letting go of their captain could be the start of a major overhaul as they aim to build a stronger unit ahead of the 2025 season. The franchise’s early years in the IPL showed promise, but inconsistency and reliance on individual brilliance hampered their ability to challenge for titles.
With Rahul potentially released, LSG may look to adopt a more aggressive style of play in line with current trends in T20 cricket. The upcoming mega auction will give them an opportunity to rebuild their squad, perhaps targeting more explosive players who can adapt to the fast pace of the modern game.
