Former Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain and Indian wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul opened up on his LSG exit ahead of the much-awaited Mega Auctions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
KL Rahul, who led his team to the playoffs twice in 3 seasons was unceremoniously not retained by the franchise. Lucknow decided to retain Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni.
Speaking to Star Sports in their Star Sports Unplugged event, KL Rahul shed light on his exit from the franchise.
“I wanted to start fresh, I wanted to explore my options and I wanted to go and play where I could find some freedom, where the team atmosphere could be something lighter. Sometimes you need to move away and find something good for yourself,” said KL Rahul.
Notably, KL Rahul and Sanjeev Goenka, who is the owner of Lucknow Super Giants, had a verbal spat on the ground on 8th May 2024 amidst all the media crew and host broadcasters. It got captured by the cameras and the internet was quick to back KL Rahul.
In the video, KL Rahul was seen being at the receiving end of the fury of Goenka. Goenka was visibly frustrated and upset after Lucknow’s humiliating 10-wicket loss at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
KL Rahul wants to make a comeback into the Indian T20I side
KL Rahul last represented India in T20Is in the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 against England. Ever since that crushing 10-wicket loss at the hands of England, India decided to make some stern calls in this format.
It helped as India lifted the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in USA & West Indies and ended India’s trophy-drought in the ICC events.
Speaking to Star Sports, KL Rahul opened up as to how he wants to stage a comeback into the T20I side of India and will be looking forward to the IPL 2025 season.
“I have been out of the T20 team for a while and I know where I stand as a player and I know what I need to do to get back, so I’ll look forward to this IPL season to give me that platform where I can go back and enjoy my cricket and my aim is to obviously get back into the Indian T20 team,” said KL Rahul.
Also read: IPL 2025: 3 Teams Who Might Go For KL Rahul In The Mega Auctions
