The excitement surrounding the IPL 2025 mega auction has sparked intense speculation about KL Rahul’s potential return to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He previously represented RCB in IPL from 2013 to 2016.
Recent interactions, including a viral video where Rahul responded positively to a fan’s inquiry about joining RCB, have fueled this buzz among fans and analysts alike.
However, significant obstacles stand in the way of this trade occurring before the auction. Check the reasons why KL Rahul cannot be traded to RCB ahead of IPL 2025.
IPL 2025 Trading Rules
According to current IPL trading rules, franchises are not allowed to trade players between themselves in the period between the end of one season and the mega auction.
The trading window opens only after the mega auction and remains active until the end of the next season.
This means that even if Rahul and RCB wanted to make a deal, they would not be able to do so until after the 2025 season, by which time the mega auction would have already taken place. So Rahul cannot be traded to RCB before the 2025 auction.
IPL 2025 Retention Rules
Another factor is the uncertainty around retention rules for the 2025 mega auction. The BCCI is expected to meet with franchise owners later this month to discuss retention policies. Until these rules are finalized, no decisions can be made about player retention or trading.
LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka has stated that the team has not taken any call on player retention yet, as they are waiting for the BCCI to release the retention rules. This further complicates any potential trade involving Rahul.
Rahul’s Importance to LSG
Despite the viral video of Rahul responding “Let’s hope so” to a fan asking about him joining RCB, the LSG management has emphasized Rahul’s importance to the team.
Goenka has referred to Rahul as “family” and said he has played a crucial role for LSG since their inception.
This suggests that LSG is unlikely to let go of Rahul easily, especially not in a trade that would strengthen a rival team like RCB. The franchise will likely want to retain their captain and star player if possible.
