KL Rahul’s Future at Lucknow Super Giants Uncertain as Franchise Offers Retention Deal
Over the coming 48 hours, the spotlight in world cricket will be on the retention lists of the 10 Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, with October 31 being the deadline. One of the most intriguing storylines for fans centers on the future of KL Rahul at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). While it was previously indicated that the franchise was unlikely to retain their captain, a recent report reveals that it was Rahul himself who decided to part ways, despite being offered a retention deal.
On August 26, Rahul traveled to Kolkata to meet LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, sparking rumors that the Indian star and the franchise had reconciled their differences and were ready to continue their partnership. However, Goenka remained tight-lipped on Rahul’s fate, until a report in ESPNCricinfo earlier this week confirmed that the wicketkeeper-batter is not on their likely retention list, which features Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mohsin Khan.
“LSG were ready to offer top retention bracket to Rahul, but Rahul eventually decided to move on due to personal and professional reasons,” a source told TOI.
Despite no longer being a part of India’s T20I plans, Rahul is expected to be a sought-after commodity at the IPL auction next month, given his proven captaincy abilities. He has led LSG for three seasons, guiding them to the playoffs twice. Alongside the much-rumored reunion with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rahul is set to receive offers from Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans.
“At the moment, there are four franchises who have expressed their interest in him – Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals and the Chennai Super Kings. Expect all four to go hard for him in the auction,” a source told TOI.
Overall, Rahul has played 132 IPL matches across four franchises – RCB, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab, and LSG – scoring 4683 runs at an impressive average of 45.47 and a strike rate of 134.61, with four centuries and 37 fifties to his name.
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