IPL 2022: 3 Teams that can pick KL Rahul in the mega auction

As per the latest developments, KL Rahul is all set to part ways with Punjab Kings ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. It’s indeed a shocking report as Rahul has been one of the most consistent performers in IPL over the years. The dashing opener can accumulate quick runs despite playing risk-free cricket. Moreover, he’s also a more than handy wicketkeeper.

For the unversed, Rahul joined the Punjab-based franchise ahead of the 2018 edition. The right-handed batter lived to the expectations of the franchise and played one scintillating knock after another. He crossed the 600-run mark in three of the four seasons he played for PBKS. 2019 was the only edition where Rahul couldn’t cross the mark. Still, he accumulated 593 runs this season.

His consistency with the bat also earned Rahul Punjab’s captaincy ahead of the 2020 edition. With Rahul being a proven star of this format, many believed he would be PBKS’ first retention ahead of the mega auction next season. However, Cricbuzz reported the batter is set to leave the franchise and will be up for grabs in the auction event.

Meanwhile, let’s look at three franchises that can pick KL Rahul in mega auction:-

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore

Rahul and RCB’s reunion might well be destined. Ahead of the UAE leg of IPL 2021, Virat Kohli announced that he’ll step down as RCB captain after the completion of the competition. Among the current players, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell and Yuzvendra Chahal are the only potential candidates to be Kohli’s successor.

However, De Villiers is in the latter stage of his career while Chahal’s leadership skills aren’t known much. Although Maxwell has done well this season, teams are skeptical of appointing a foreign player as a skipper. Hence, RCB have all the reasons to break their bank in case, Rahul lands in the auction pool.

It has to be noted that Rahul emerged as a T20 player in IPL 2016. He played for RCB in that season and what followed next is hidden from none. Hence, Rahul won’t mind serving the franchise he started his IPL career with.