KL Rahul‘s decision to part ways Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction attracted a lot of attention.
Rahul’s departure comes after the IPL 2024 season, which saw tensions between him and the owner of LSG. Sanjay Goenka after a heated encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Rahul’s move has already sent shockwaves through the IPL landscape as he enters the auction at a base price of INR 2 crore and is attracting the attention of many franchises.
KL Rahul opens up on leaving LSG ahead of IPL 2025
Rahul’s departure marks the end of an era for LSG, where he led the team for several seasons but felt the need for a change. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained that his move was not just to find a new team, but to create the right mental space to perform at his best.
“I wanted to start fresh, I wanted to explore my options and I wanted to go and play where I could find freedom, where the team atmosphere could be lighter. “Sometimes you have to step away and find something good for yourself.” Rahul said.
KL Rahul’s Performance for LSG (2022-2024)
- 2024: Rahul played 14 matches and scored 520 runs at an average of 37.14. He has a strike rate of 136.13, hits 45 fours and 19 sixes, but has not scored a century. His season’s highest score is 82 with 15 catches and 2 stumpings behind the stumps.
- 2023: In 9 matches, Rahul scored 274 runs at an average of 34.25 runs. His strike rate fell to 113.22 with 28 fours and 4 sixes. He scored 2 half-centuries and took 4 catches without any stumping.
- 2022: Rahul has been in excellent form, scoring 616 runs in 15 matches at an average of 51.33. He scored 2 centuries including a top score of 103* and had a strike rate of 135.38. He hit 45 fours and 30 sixes and took 9 catches.
Also READ: 5 teams who can target KL Rahul in IPL 2025 mega auction
As a springboard for IPL 2025 T20I comeback
Looking ahead, Rahul’s focus is clear: to use IPL 2025 to regain his place in India’s T20I team. Rahul, who has been out of India’s T20I squad for a while, is determined to use the upcoming IPL season to rediscover his form. Rahul made it clear that the IPL season is not just about franchise cricket but is also a key step in his national turnaround journey.
“I have been out of the T20 team for a while and I know where I am as a player and I know what I need to do to come back, so I will be looking forward to this IPL season which will give me that platform. I can come back and enjoy my cricket and my aim is obviously to come back to the Indian T20 team. Rahul concluded.
With his vast experience and proven skill set, KL Rahul’s presence in the auction market for IPL 2025 is likely to create a bidding war. His leadership, versatility and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations make him a valuable asset to any franchise looking to bolster their batting lineup.
