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The Indian Premier League IPL franchises are still waiting for the IPL 2025 retention rules announcement from the BCCI, as the mega auction date is just about 3 months away. Every team is planning for the mega auction and we might see some big changes in some franchises. There are a few rumors also spreading on social media regarding the future of KL Rahul in the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise. He has played for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the last three IPL seasons, but the rumors lit up after his ‘hope so’ video went viral on social media.
Rahul’s future in LSG remains uncertain
KL Rahul has played for the LSG franchise in the last three seasons (2022-24). He is even the captain of the team and an integral part of the team. In his captaincy, LSG reached in the top 4 for the first two seasons. He has also done decent with the bat. But now, his future with the franchise is uncertain with rumors spreading on social media.
KL Rahul – Sanjeev Goenka Argument | How it all started?
It all started after KL Rahul was seen with the team’s owner Sanjeev Goenka after the team’s humiliating loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a league stage match in IPL 2024. SRH won that game by 10 wickets and chased down the target quite convincingly. After the match, Goenka was seen going after KL Rahul and it looks like the owner was having a heated argument with the batter. Also, KL Rahul responded to Goenka’s words patiently, as we observed in the video.
After this argument video went viral on social media, different kinds of reports speculated on social media regarding Rahul’s future in the LSG franchise. Some reports suggested that he will leave the franchise, and some say he might join RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore).
A few days later, KL Rahul attended a dinner that Goenka organized. The LSG captain grinned broadly as Rahul and Goenka gave each other hearty embraces. “It is natural that the Owner will be distraught as everyone was following that devastating loss.
Some fans also think that it is a PR (Public Relations) from the franchise to clear the image. Well, whatever, things didn’t go the same as the media reports on Rahul’s LSG future continue to float.
KL Rahul to join RCB?
Earlier, there were rumors that KL Rahul will join RCB before the IPL 2025 mega auction. Now, things took more fire after a video of him with a fan went viral. In a video, a fan told KL Rahul about him being an RCB fan and wants Rahul to join the team again. After the fan’s words, KL Rahul answered with ‘hope so’, which sparked more fire regarding this rumor.
Earlier, the rumors also suggest that KL Rahul will also become the captain of the team. The reason is that Faf du Plessis, current captain of RCB is not getting younger. Also, Virat Kohli has already stepped down from the RCB captaincy after 2021. In that case, KL Rahul might be a good option who can open the batting and has enough experience to lead an IPL franchise. Rahul has also captained Punjab Kings (earlier known as Kings XI Punjab).
KL Rahul has played for RCB in the past as well. He played for the franchise for 4 years; from 2013 to 2016. RCB played the final of the 2016 season as well.
Sanjeev Goenka on his relationship with KL Rahul
Earlier, in an event of unveiling Zaheer Khan as a new mentor of the team, the LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka talked about his relationship with KL Rahul. While talking to the media, Goenka said he had known KL Rahul for almost three years and met him regularly, but was surprised that only that argument video got so much attention.
Rahul’s significance to the group was further highlighted by Goenka, who said, “KL has been an integral and important part of the LSG family since inception.” He’s had a significant impact. Rahul is and will always be like family.
Goenka on whether Rahul will be retained or not
The LSG owner talked about the players’ retention and the team. He said they haven’t made a decision yet. Goenka told the media that everyone is waiting for the BCCI to make a declaration regarding the player retention policies for the IPL 2025. Only after the announcement the franchise will take the decision.
He said the team has more than 2 and a half months to decide and they did not even think about the team going forward. They don’t know how much retention the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) will allow to the franchises.
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Conclusion
So this is all about the rumors on KL Rahul and his future with LSG. Also, if rumors of him joining RCB becomes true, it will be a good thing for the RCB franchise as they might look for an Indian captain who can lead the team for the upcoming few years.
All eyes will be on the BCCI’s announcement of the players’ retention rules.
FAQs:-
(1) when will the BCCI announce the IPL 2025 players’ retention rules?
The BCCI might announce the IPL 2025 players’ retention rules by the end of September. They have an Annual General Meeting on September 29 and they will decide in the meeting.
(2) What is the cut-off time for the franchise to release the retained players list?
According to the reports, November 15 will be the last date for the franchises to decide which players to keep and which to leave.
(3) How many runs KL Rahul has scored for RCB?
In 4 years, he played 39 games for RCB and scored 725 runs. His best season for the franchise was in 2016 when he scored 397 runs.
(4) Will the BCCI bring back the old uncapped player rule?
Although there is no official confirmation, the BCCI is considering bringing up the old ‘uncapped player’ rule.
