After the conclusion of the LSG vs SRH match in the previous edition of the IPL, a video of an argument between Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka and skipper KL Rahul went viral on Social Media. In this video, Sanjiv Goenka was seen getting angry at Rahul after the defeat. Since then, it was believed that Rahul would leave the franchise next year. The franchise wanted to retain Rahul, but the 32-year-old did not listen to them. Now Rahul has told why he decided to leave Lucknow.
Rahul captained the team for three seasons. The franchise made its IPL debut in the year 2022 and made it to the playoffs in the very first season under Rahul’s captaincy. After this, Rahul got injured midway in the next season, yet the team reached the playoffs. Last season, Rahul wasn’t able to guide his time to qualify for the playoffs.
“Needed freedom and a lighter atmosphere to start on a fresh note.”
Former Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul has explained his reasons for leaving the team in an interview with Star Sports. Rahul declared his desire for freedom and a fresh start.
“I want a new and fresh start, he declared. I’d like to look at my options. Where I may play freely is where I want to go. where there is a light team environment. You have to find something positive for yourself and move on sometimes. The upcoming IPL season excites me. I’m looking for a team where I can enjoy playing my Cricket.”
The Lucknow based team, captained by Rahul, finished seventh in the overall points table last season. The team had only 14 points next to their name in 14 matches. For the first time, this team could not reach the playoffs even though the team had players like KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya, Marcus Stoinis and Ayush Badoni at their disposal.
Due to their poor net run rate, this team got eliminated from the playoff race. Rahul, who failed in captaincy, had a good season with the bat a lot of runs as a batsman. A total of 520 runs came from his bat in 14 matches played last season. His strike rate was 136.13 and he scored four half-centuries as well.
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