Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal has expressed his enthusiasm for the recent acquisition of KL Rahul during the IPL 2025 mega auction, where the franchise secured him for ₹14 crore.
In a statement reflecting on Rahul’s transfer, Jindal emphasized that the team would provide him with the “love and respect he deserves,” suggesting a supportive environment aimed at maximizing Rahul’s potential as a player and leader.
Context of the Transfer
Rahul’s move to Delhi Capitals follows his departure from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he captained the team for three seasons.
His exit was marked by comments from LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, who expressed a desire for players who prioritize team success over personal achievements.
This backdrop has led to speculation that Jindal’s remarks might have been an indirect response to Goenka’s statements, highlighting a contrasting approach towards player management and leadership.
Jindal’s Insights on Team Strategy
In interviews, Jindal elaborated on the franchise’s strategy leading into the auction. He noted that Delhi Capitals initially aimed to retain Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, but after losing both players in bidding wars, they pivoted to secure Rahul as their next best option.
Jindal described Rahul as a “class player” whose consistent performance—averaging over 400 runs each season—makes him an ideal fit for the team, especially considering the playing conditions at Arun Jaitley Stadium (Kotla) in Delhi.
Leadership Dynamics
Jindal confirmed that KL Rahul will share captaincy duties with Axar Patel, who has been with the franchise for several seasons and served as vice-captain.
This dual-captaincy approach aims to blend experience with youthful energy, as both players are expected to guide a relatively young batting lineup.
Jindal highlighted that both Rahul and Axar would play crucial roles in mentoring emerging talents within the squad.
Future Expectations
Reflecting on Rahul’s character and friendship with him, Jindal expressed optimism about his integration into the team.
He mentioned that Rahul is eager to contribute and win an IPL title, something that has eluded both him and Delhi Capitals thus far.
The co-owner believes that with the right support and environment, Rahul can thrive and help lead Delhi Capitals to success in the upcoming season.
