The IPL future of current Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain, KL Rahul, has been uncertain since the 2024 season. Reports suggest that the wicketkeeper and LSG skipper could vacate his leadership role before IPL 2025. Other reports claim he could exit the franchise after spending several seasons with the Lucknow-based outfit.
KL Rahul Meets LSG Owner
Rahul met with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka in Kolkata on 27 August, 2024. The meeting sparked rumours about Rahul’s future at the franchise. Some fan comments suggested a reconciliation between the owner and Rahul after their public disagreement at IPL 2024. However, there is no concrete information on topics discussed between Rahul and Goenka ahead of IPL 2025.
Topics of the meeting are not available publicly, but commentators suggest retention and Rahul’s captaincy as major talking points. Indications from sources at the LSG suggest that KL Rahul could stay at LSG, but lose his captaincy ahead of IPL 2025.
Inside Sources Comment on KL Rahul Captaincy Saga at LSG
An inside source suggested that KL Rahul will not be LSG captain at IPL 2025. These reports became public after photos of the LSG owner and Rahul flooded social media platforms. The source made these comments:
“The meeting was official with the CEO Sanjiv Goenka on Monday, the captaincy and retention topics were discussed. However, Rahul is unlikely to captain the side in the upcoming edition as he wants to explore himself more as a batter. Goenka has full confidence in Rahul and he will be retained as a player, but will not be seen captaining the side.”
The source also claimed that cricketers like Krunal Pandya and Nicholas Pooran are likely to replace Rahul as LSG captain.
LSG Owner’s Fury at KL Rahul in 2024 IPL
Sanjiv Goenka (LSG owner) vented at KL Rahul after his franchise endured a 10-wicket drubbing from Sunrisers Hyderabad at IPL 2024. The LSG owner wasted no time in displaying his frustration at Rahul right after the game. Fans continue to suggest that KL Rahul’s days at the franchise are numbered after that public spat last season.
KL Rahul to RCB?
There are unconfirmed reports that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are currently monitoring Rahul’s situation at LSG closely. RCB will look to bolster their squad ahead of IPL 2025 with marquee talent in every department. Rahul is one of the top batters in Indian cricket and any IPL franchise will want him on their team.
What could trigger a potential RCB move for KL Rahul?
Rahul’s first RCB stint
KL Rahul played for four seasons at RCB (between 2013 and 2016). The cricketer could receive an immense temptation to return to his former franchise for IPL 2025. Rahul smashed a decent 417 runs at RCB across his stint at the franchise and could bolster their faltering ranks ahead of next season.
Rahul’s first stint wasn’t the best by his current batting standards, as RCB had a strong squad with advanced players at that time. His development to become a mature, talented batter could tempt RCB to go all out for him at auction. An aging, perennially-underachieving Bengaluru franchise could receive the much-needed spark to claim their first IPL title.
Current situation at LSG
KL Rahul’s future at LSG looks uncertain, even after the franchise owner met him on August 27. The cricketer could aim to leave controversies faced at his current franchise behind for a new start at RCB. There are chances that an impressive bid for Rahul at auction could receive a positive nod from LSG.
Potential for unburdened performances as a squad player
The pressure of being captain can be immense on players, particularly when franchises expect so much from their on-field leaders. Rahul will likely want a chance to participate in IPL cricket without the burden of being captain. His travails as LSG captain could lead him to consider RCB’s potential offer.
RCB are keen to get a replacement for Faf du Plessis (their current captain) and could fit Rahul as a squad player for some seasons. Rahul could jump at the offer if current travails at LSG goes against his plans.
Other Teams Likely to Offer KL Rahul Captaincy If He Leaves LSG before IPL 2025
Punjab Kings
An underwhelming IPL 2024 season has seen several changes laid out for the Punjab Kings (PBKS). The Punjab-based franchise could turn to KL Rahul for leadership as they seek to make a strong showing at IPL 2025.
Delhi Capitals
Rishabh Pant has not been at his best since returning from injuries sustained after a horror car crash in December 2022. The Delhi Capitals (DC) also need an IPL trophy and seek to revamp their struggling lineup. The team could target KL Rahul and offer him their captaincy if he chooses to leave LSG.
