KL Rahul Likely to Be Released by LSG as Zaheer and Langer Highlight Strike Rate Concerns
Despite the expectation of his release, LSG has not ruled out the option of bidding for Rahul in the upcoming auction, suggesting they may consider him at a lower price point to conserve their funds for other strategic acquisitions. Discussions between Rahul and LSG management have reportedly been ongoing, with the final retention list announcement due next week.
KL Rahul’s future with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) appears uncertain, with reports suggesting that the franchise is set to release him ahead of the upcoming IPL mega auctions in November. Having led LSG for the past two years, Rahul’s retention was already in doubt after a reported fallout with team owner Sanjiv Goenka. The Times of India has reported that head coach Justin Langer and mentor Zaheer Khan pointed to Rahul's strike rate as a significant factor behind the team’s decision.
LSG’s analysis, led by Langer and Zaheer, suggested that the team struggled in matches where Rahul batted for extended periods, with his relatively low strike rate seen as incompatible with the pace required in the modern game. Under the Impact Player rule, with scores trending higher, teams need batters at the top of the order who can set a brisk tempo. Rahul’s strike rate of 136.13 over 14 matches, although productive with 520 runs, was the lowest among those who scored over 400 runs in IPL 2024, raising questions about his effectiveness in accelerating innings at the right moments.
Despite the expectation of his release, LSG has not ruled out the option of bidding for Rahul in the upcoming auction, suggesting they may consider him at a lower price point to conserve their funds for other strategic acquisitions. Discussions between Rahul and LSG management have reportedly been ongoing, with the final retention list announcement due next week.
Additionally, LSG has shown confidence in players like Mayank Yadav, who they see as a potential long-term asset. According to sources, Mayank, an emerging talent, is likely to rank high on LSG’s retention list, possibly even above established players like Ravi Bishnoi. Yadav, whom LSG considers their “find,” has shown an ability to influence matches, solidifying his value in the team’s plans. Other uncapped players like Ayush Badoni and left-arm seamer Mohsin Khan are also likely to be retained as the franchise looks to manage their budget efficiently.
The franchise’s decision around Rahul comes as they seek a more aggressive top-order batting strategy, aligning with IPL’s evolving demands for high-intensity play. As the auction approaches, LSG’s retained list will likely reflect a focus on players who align with this faster-paced approach, allowing them to stay competitive in the league’s changing dynamics.
