The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 is all set to get underway from March 26, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) taking on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the opening fixture. This season will witness two new teams – Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) competing with the already existing eight franchises.
Notably, many superstars of the cash-rich league will be seen donning a new jersey from this season as the mega-auction has impacted a lot of change. Only a handful of players will be playing for their old teams, as ahead of the bidding event, the franchises were given a choice of retaining a maximum of four players.
The retention list showed that franchises let go of some of their biggest players, while in some cases, cricketers themselves chose to go into the mega-auction. One such star was KL Rahul, who opted to part ways with Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the end of IPL 2021.
Notably, Rahul had joined Punjab in 2018 and scored more than 500 runs in each of the four seasons, averaging over 50 and at a strike rate of over 130. Despite that, Rahul wished not to represent the Mohali-based franchise again and joined the newly added Lucknow team. And on Monday, Rahul admitted that it was a tough decision, but he wanted to know what else was in store for him.
“I have been with them for four years, and I’ve had a great run with them. Just wanted to see what’s in store for me and if there’s a new journey for me. It was a tough call, obviously. I have been attached to Punjab for a long time. I wanted to see if I can do something else,” said Rahul while peaking to Red Bull Cricket.
In a chat with Star Sports at the time of the IPL retention list announcement, PBKS head coach Anil Kumble had revealed that the franchise wanted to retain Rahul, but the Indian batter had made up his mind to leave the side.
“Obviously, we wanted to retain him, that is one of the reasons we chose him as captain two years back. But he decided to go into the auction. We respect that, we honour his decision. It’s the player’s prerogative,” Kumble had said.
