Reports: KL Rahul bids farewell to Lucknow Super Giants

If reports are to be believed, KL Rahul's three-year tenure at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is done and dusted as the franchise will be helmed by someone else in IPL 2024. LSG started their IPL journey in 2022 and Rahul led them to the playoffs in the first two seasons. However, IPL 2024 turned out to be a disappointment as the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise finished seventh on the points table.

It seemed that the relationship between Goenka and Rahul turned sour after they were involved in an animated conversation following a defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. In August, the Indian cricketer came to Kolkata to meet Goenka and it seemed that they had buried the hatchet.

However, according to a Times of India (TOI) report, the wicketkeeper-batter has parted ways with the Super Giants, in spite of the franchise offering him the top retention deal.

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"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.

Four franchises have shown interest to acquire KL Rahul's services

KL Rahul could be one of the most sought-after players in the IPL 2025 mega auction because of his experience of captaining teams like Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. He has also led India in a stand-in capacity.

"At the moment, there are four franchises who have expressed their interest in him - Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals, and the Chennai Super Kings. Expect all four to go hard for him in the auction," a source said.

The 32-year-old has played 132 IPL games in his career. He has amassed 4,683 runs at an average of 45.47 and a strike rate of 134.61. Rahul has registered 37 half-centuries and four tons, including a highest score of 132 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2020. While his strike rates have been scrutinised over the seasons, teams who have several power-hitters in their line-up will benefit from the presence of a technical solid player like Rahul, especially when the conditions become difficult for batting.