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Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are preparing to release their captain, KL Rahul. The decision, as reported by multiple media outlets, would mark a dramatic shift for the franchise, which has counted on Rahul as a cornerstone since he joined the team in 2022.
The question of Rahul’s retention has been a hot topic of debate in recent months, and reports now suggest that the LSG management is ready to pursue a different approach moving forward.
KL Rahul’s retention: A hot topic of debate
As reported by the Times of India, the ongoing internal discussions have been sparked by the team’s disappointing performance in the 2024 season, in which they finished seventh in the points table.
“The LSG management, including Zaheer Khan and Justin Langer, has analyzed his stats, and it has emerged that the team has almost lost all matches where KL has batted long and scored runs,” an IPL source told TOI.
“That indicates that his strike rate doesn’t match the momentum of the game. With the Impact Player rule, the scores are getting higher. You can’t afford to have someone taking so much time at the top of the order,” the source added.
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Rahul’s strike rate and recent performance under scrutiny
Rahul’s strike rate has been a point of concern for some time. Though he has delivered consistent run totals over the years, his style of play – often anchoring the innings while consuming a significant number of deliveries has drawn criticism in the evolving landscape of T20 cricket, where quick scoring has become essential.
Adding to the pressure on Rahul is his recent performance in international cricket. In the first Test match of India‘s series against New Zealand, Rahul managed only a duck in the first innings and 12 runs in the second. India’s subsequent defeat by eight wickets has only fuelled the conversation around Rahul’s form and his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Transition for Lucknow Super Giants
For the Lucknow Super Giants, letting go of their captain could mark the beginning of a significant overhaul as they aim to construct a stronger unit ahead of the 2025 season. The franchise’s inaugural years in the IPL have shown promise, but inconsistency and reliance on individual brilliance have hampered their ability to become title contenders.
With Rahul potentially being released, LSG could be looking to adopt a more aggressive style of play in line with the current trends in T20 cricket. The upcoming mega auction would give them an opportunity to rebuild their squad, possibly targeting more explosive players who can keep up with the fast pace of the modern game.
