As the T20 fever intensifies with the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) player auction for the 2024 season, set to take place in Dubai on December 19, the cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation.
In preparation for the mini-auction, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has mandated that all 10 teams submit their lists of released players by Sunday (November 26) at 4:00 p.m. IST. This annual ritual often brings surprises, with teams parting ways with players for various reasons.
Social media sparks
A recent social media frenzy has suggested a trade deal between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Speculations are rife that LSG might be trading their captain KL Rahul to his former franchise RCB, with Harshal Patel moving in the opposite direction.
Players’ performance overview
Harshal emerged as a standout performer for RCB in IPL 2021, securing 32 wickets after being bought for a mere INR 20 lakhs. His impressive form catapulted his price to INR 10.75 crore in the subsequent season, where he claimed 19 additional wickets. However, in IPL 2023, Patel’s performance saw a dip as he managed to take 14 wickets.
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Rahul, on the other hand, showcased his batting prowess with outstanding performances in IPL 2021 and 2022, amassing 626 and 616 runs, respectively. However, his form waned in the previous season, scoring only 274 runs in 9 games. Before the 2022 season, Rahul switched from the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to LSG, becoming their captain for a hefty INR 17 crore, sharing the title of the IPL’s highest-paid cricketer with Virat Kohli.
Unraveling the trade rumours
A day before the retention deadline, reports surfaced suggesting that Rahul has parted ways with LSG to rejoin RCB, while Harshal has moved to LSG. However, both franchises are yet to officially confirm or deny such reports.
Sources close to the franchises have debunked the rumours circulating on social media. The management of both RCB and LSG disclaims any knowledge of such trade deals involving Rahul and Harshal. They have dismissed the speculative claims, expressing amusement at the unfounded nature of these reports.
