The stage is set, the anticipation is electric, and the countdown has begun as fans worldwide await one of the most pivotal moments of the IPL season—the much-anticipated retention list reveal. Teams have been strategizing in the background, weighing tough choices, and deciding which players will remain the face of their franchise and which ones will be released into the open market. As far as KL Rahul, the reports suggest that he is unlikely to stay with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise. The LSG’s captain for the last 3 years, KL Rahul is likely to go in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
After LSG finished at No. 7 in the last season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), we were expecting a major revamp n the squad. But, when the visuals of KL Rahul and the franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka came out in which the latter looked animated after a humiliating loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the speculations started to float regarding the former’s stay with the LSG franchise. Today, we will delve deep dive into the matter and see if there is a possibility of KL Rahul continuing with LSG or if he will go into the IPL 2025 mega auction.
KL Rahul to part ways with LSG
This year’s retention list promises surprises, emotional farewells, and exciting shakeups that could redefine team dynamics and pave the way for fresh talent. As we approach the announcement, fans and analysts alike are on the edge of their seats, ready to dive into the drama, predictions, and possibilities that will shape the next season of cricket’s biggest spectacle.
KL Rahul, who has captained LSG in the last three IPL seasons might not stay with LSG for the next season. He is set to go in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The wicketkeeper batter started his IPL career with RCB in 2013 before moving to SRH for 2 years. He again came to RCB in 2016 but found more success when he joined Kings XI Punjab (now known as Punjab Kings) in 2018. Rahul played for PBKS for 4 years and scored lots of runs. In 2022. LSG signed him as their captain and since then, he has played three seasons with the franchise.
Although KL Rahul has been the top scorer for LSG in the last few years, his strike rate has always been a question mark. LSG has finished at No. 7 in IPL 2024, after reaching the top 4 in the previous two seasons.
Animated discussions between Goenka and Rahul during IPL 2024
In the IPL 2024, after a league stage match between LSG and SRH, the visuals of the LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka and the captain KL Rahul came out and the former looked animated over a humiliating defeat of the team. Rahul seems to be on the cooler side of the conversation, listening to whatever Goenka has said. After that, the reports in the media started to float regarding Rahul not playing for LS anymore, even during the IPL 2024. But, after a while, Goenka made it clear to the public that everything was alright between him and Rahul.
Also, in an event where LSG announced former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan as their new mentor, Goenka called Rahul ‘family’. Still, Rahul’s stay with the LSG for the IPL 2025 is looking unlikely as he might explore the market in the auction.
LSG and Rahul’s performance last season
LSG, after reaching the top 4 in the first two seasons, has failed to reach the playoffs in IPL 2024. They finished at No. with 7 wins in 14 games with a net run rate (NRR) of -0.667. Coming to Rahul’s performance, he has scored 520 runs in 14 games with an average of 37.14. But, his strike rate (136.13) is not up to the mark and required in the T20 game, especially when he saw so many high-scoring games during the season.
Will Rahul go to RCB again?
Some media reports suggest that KL Rahul might go to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) again. There is no official confirmation yet, but if this happens, it will be good for both, Rahul and RCB. KL Rahul is a homeboy (Karnataka) and RCB will have the option to make him a captain. The Indian captain and someone who can bat in the top order is what RCB has needed. Let’s see how things unfold.
Conclusion
So this is the latest update as of now regarding Rahul’s stay with LSG. This year’s IPL will be interesting to see and the hype is already there to see. The franchises will have to submit their retention list before October 31, 2024. So things are not too far ahead. We shall find out soon.
What do you think? Will Rahul stay with LSG? Or will he go RCB? If not the RCB, which teams will target him in the IPL 2025 mega auction? Comment all your predictions and opinions below.
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FAQs:-
(1) How many runs KL Rahul has scored in the IPL?
Rahul has scored 4683 runs with an average of 45.47 and a strike rate of 134.61 in 132 IPL games. He has 4 hundreds and 37 fifties to his name with a highest score of 132*.
(2) How many runs Rahul has scored for LSG?
In 38 games, he has scored 1410 runs for LSG.
(3) Which LSG bowler has the best figures in IPL 2024?
Yash Thakur has taken 5 wickets for 30 runs in a game against GT on April 07, 2024. It was the best figure of LSG bowler in IPL 2024.
(4) Who are the likely retentions for LSG before IPL 2025 mega auction?
As of now, it looks like LSG can retain Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi as their capped players. In an uncapped players category, they might go with Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan. There is no official confirmation from the franchise yet.
