KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel, who both play as wicketkeeper-batters, are likely to be part of the big auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, which is planned for later this year. Right now, all teams have until October 31 to decide which players they want to keep before the big auction.
Each team can keep up to six players using a mix of keeping them and using the RTM option. Out of these six players, they can have a mix of up to five experienced players (both Indian and foreign) and up to two new players.
Rahul has scored 1410 runs for the Lucknow Super Giants in 38 matches since joining the team before the 2022 season. However, sources have told IANS that he might participate in the big auction instead of staying with the team.
“There’s a strong belief that Rahul wants to join the big auction because the Lucknow Super Giants might not keep him. Depending on the decisions about who stays and what the prices will be, it wouldn’t be surprising if Rahul is part of the auction list,” sources told this news agency.
Rahul has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL before. If he joins the big auction, many teams could try to get him, especially because he’s a skilled wicketkeeper-batsman with experience as a leader.
Sources have told IANS that Jurel, who has played 28 IPL games for Rajasthan Royals since the 2023 season, is another experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batsman who will be part of the big auction. This comes after he reportedly declined an offer to stay with the team.
Jurel, who made his debut in Test and T20I matches for India this year, gained recognition in the IPL for his finishing skills. He often came in as an Impact Player for Rajasthan Royals and impressed everyone with his calm attitude and strong work ethic.
IANS also learned that a senior Rajasthan Royals official, whose name was not disclosed, was seen in Bengaluru, where the Indian team is currently playing their first Test match against New Zealand. This suggests that the team is still trying to keep Jurel on their roster.
In past IPL auctions, wicketkeeper-batters like Ishan Kishan, Kumar Kushagra, and Robin Minz have received large sums of money due to their valuable skills. Rahul and Jurel are expected to draw significant interest and could even get higher bids if they participate in the upcoming big auction.
