KL Rahul's biggest burden is not his price tag, but the pressure to perform: Gautam Gambhir

KL Rahul was appointed as the skipper of the Lucknow franchise ahead of IPL 2022. Rahul will also draw a hefty salary of INR 17 Crores. And, former Indian cricketer and mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants, Gautam Gambhir feels that Rahul will have the pressure to perform, and the support staff should ensure that the right-hander feels free mentally.

Gambhir also added that he wants the players to think of playing for the Lucknow franchise and not think of playing for India immediately after the IPL is over. The 40-year-old also stated that playing for the Indian cricket team is only a by-product of playing in the IPL.

“It is for the support staff to make him feel free. The biggest burden will not be the price tag but the pressure to perform. We want players who are honest, want to play for the franchise and who do not think of playing for India in those two months. Playing for India is a by-product. We want performances for Lucknow,” said Gambhir as quoted by NDTV.

We are impressed with KL Rahul’s cool approach and unflappable temperament: Sanjiv Goenka

Also, the owner of the Lucknow franchise, Sanjiv Goenka said that appointing KL Rahul as the skipper of the Lucknow franchise was a ‘no brainer’. Adding that there was a meeting of minds between Rahul and the franchise, Goenka concluded by stating that he is impressed with Rahul’s cool approach to the game as well as his temperament.

“Appointing KL as captain was no brainer. We approached him and there was meeting of minds. I am very impressed with his cool approach and unflappable temperament. He is not very expressive and that’s also the way I am,” concluded Goenka.

The 2022 IPL mega auctions are scheduled to take place on 12th and 13th February in Bangalore this year. IPL 2022 will be a 10-team affair and is scheduled to start in the last week of March this year.