The exit of KL Rahul from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) attracted conversations after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 retention phase was over and before the mega auction. LSG and Rahul ended their relationship after three years as the batter himself explained the reason as his wish to return to the auction. After the retention policy was made public, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka gave an interview where he mentioned that players had been kept who the owners were sure would contribute to the team rather than their own interest.
“It was an attitude to procure players, whose attitude is to win the game, who do not think of themselves but the team first,” Goenka stated after LSG had revealed the list of players it has retained prior to IPL 2025 auction.
Rahul addressed the above claims and responded to them. When he was asked if Goenka’s comments in any way contributed to his separation from the LSG franchise, the batter claimed that it was a prior intention.
“The decision was made already. I do not know what the comments are but I am sure they came after the retention announcement,” said Rahul, speaking to Star Sports.
Rahul was the captain of LSG for the first three years that they had been in the IPL. He scored 616 in 2022 and then dropped significantly in an injury-stricken 2023 season. Over the years spent at the franchise, criticism has been directed at Rahul for his slow batting, which saw his strike rate below 135 within the years of the franchise.
Later on, in that interview, Rahul spoke about how there is always a need for an equilibrium in the culture and atmosphere of the team within a franchise.
“A team environment which is low-pressure, is what I wished to be a part of. Dressing rooms like that of GT (Gujarat Titans) and CSK (Chennai Super Kings) do not feel hostile even when they lose and that is a major factor for me as a player,” Said Rahul.
“We initially attempted that at LSG with Andy Flower and GG (Gautam Gambhir), followed by Justin Langer, which was fantastic. But at times you have to break away and search for something on your own,” Rahul said.
Rahul will be part of the IPL 2025 mega auction, which will take place on November 24 and 25.
