KL Rahul’s decision to part ways with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction has captured significant attention.

Rahul’s departure comes after the IPL 2024 season, in which tensions reportedly arose between him and LSG’s owner Sanjay Goenka following a heated encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Rahul’s move has already sent shockwaves through the IPL landscape, as he heads into the auction with a base price of INR 2 crore, drawing the attention of multiple franchises.

KL Rahul opens up on departure from LSG ahead of IPL 2025

Rahul’s departure marks the end of an era for LSG, where he led the team through multiple seasons but felt the need for a change. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained that his move was not just about finding a new team but about creating 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 some freedom, where the team atmosphere could be something lighter. Sometimes you need to move away and find something good for yourself.” Rahul said.

KL Rahul’s Performance for LSG (2022-2024)

• 2024: Rahul has played 14 matches, scoring 520 runs at an average of 37.14. He has a strike rate of 136.13, hitting 45 fours and 19 sixes, but hasn’t scored a century. His highest score in the season is 82, contributing 15 catches and 2 stumpings behind the stumps.
• 2023: In 9 matches, Rahul accumulated 274 runs at an average of 34.25. His strike rate dropped to 113.22, with 28 fours and 4 sixes. He scored 2 half-centuries, and took 4 catches with no stumpings.
• 2022: Rahul was in excellent form, amassing 616 runs in 15 matches with an average of 51.33. He recorded 2 centuries, including a high score of 103*, and had a strike rate of 135.38. He hit 45 fours and 30 sixes, and made 9 catches.

IPL 2025 as the springboard for a T20I comeback

Looking ahead, Rahul’s focus is clear: using IPL 2025 as a launchpad to reclaim his spot in India’s T20I team. Rahul, who has not featured in India’s T20I lineup for a while, is determined to use the upcoming IPL season to rediscover his form. Rahul said, making it evident that the IPL season is not just about franchise cricket but a key step in his national comeback journey.

“I have been out of the T20 team for a while and I know where I stand as a player and I know what I need to do to get back, so I’ll look forward to this IPL season to give me that platform where I can go back and enjoy my cricket and my aim is to obviously get back into the Indian T20 team,” Rahul concluded.

With his immense 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 for any franchise looking to strengthen their batting line-up.