After being released by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) following a challenging IPL 2024 season, KL Rahul is entering the IPL 2025 mega auction with hopes of joining a more balanced, supportive team environment. Rahul, who led LSG to the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, expressed his desire to play with “freedom” and join a squad where he feels “loved, cared for, and respected.”
KL Rahul, former captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), is set for a new chapter in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he prepares to enter the 2025 mega auction. After LSG’s seventh-place finish in 2024, the team released Rahul, and he now aims to join a squad with a supportive, balanced environment that will allow him to play with “freedom.”
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KL Rahul’s Vision for a New IPL Team
With his departure from LSG, Rahul expressed his desire for a team atmosphere that provides a sense of balance and calm—a quality he admires in top teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans. In an interview with Star Sports, he shared his hope for an environment where players can perform at their best without being hindered by off-field pressures.
“I wanted to start fresh and explore my options,” Rahul said. He emphasized the need for a positive dressing room atmosphere, stating that a relaxed, balanced environment helps players focus and deliver consistent performances.
Did LSG’s Approach Influence Rahul’s Exit?
Following Rahul’s release, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka remarked that the team was prioritizing players with a “mindset to win” and a commitment to the team over individual goals. When asked whether these comments played a role in his decision to leave, Rahul clarified that his choice was made independently. He expressed appreciation for LSG’s efforts to build a positive team culture under coaches like Andy Flower, Gautam Gambhir, and more recently, Justin Langer.
“We tried to create that in the change room,” Rahul explained, “but sometimes you need to move away to find the right fit for yourself.”
A Rollercoaster Season for Lucknow Super Giants
Rahul led LSG to the playoffs in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, but the 2024 campaign was a challenging one. LSG had a shaky start, winning only three of their initial matches and struggling to find consistency mid-season. Rahul topped the batting charts for LSG, scoring 520 runs with a strike rate of 136.12, yet the team ultimately finished seventh.
He noted that the increased external pressures this season took a toll on the team, hinting that the added scrutiny may have affected overall performance. “This season, it felt like there was a lot more pressure, and that affected the team at critical moments,” he said.
Captaincy Not a “Make or Break” Factor for Rahul
Looking ahead to IPL 2025, Rahul emphasized that captaining a team isn’t a priority. While he’s open to taking on the role if a team values his leadership, Rahul made it clear that it’s not essential for him. “If you find my leadership worthy, then of course I’m happy to do it,” he stated, “but it’s not a make-or-break factor for me.”
Instead, he highlighted his desire to join a team where he feels “loved, cared for, and respected,” with a united focus on winning.
Hints at a Possible RCB Reunion
As rumors of a possible reunion with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) circulate on social media, Rahul acknowledged his special connection to the team. Growing up in Bengaluru and playing at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium, he shared his fond memories of representing RCB and the pride he felt as a local player.
“I most enjoyed playing at RCB; it’s home,” Rahul said, adding that the opportunity to return to his hometown team would be ideal, although he remains open to playing anywhere in the auction year.
“It would be nice to go back there and get another opportunity,” he admitted. “But with the auction, you can end up anywhere.”
With the IPL 2025 auction approaching, KL Rahul is ready to embark on a new journey, focused on finding a team that offers a balanced and positive atmosphere. As he seeks a supportive environment, a potential return to RCB remains an exciting prospect. In the meantime, Rahul is eager to play with “freedom” and help create a winning culture wherever he lands.
