KL Rahul's Departure from LSG and CSK's Interest: The Inside Story

KL Rahul, the former captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), is set to become a highly sought-after player in the upcoming IPL auction, despite not being part of India’s T20I setup. The cricketing world is abuzz with speculation as the retention lists for the ten IPL franchises are finalized, with October 31 marking the deadline for announcements.

One of the most talked-about topics has been Rahul's future with LSG. Initially, it was expected that the franchise would retain him, but reports have surfaced indicating that Rahul chose to leave the team, even after being offered a retention deal. On August 26, he met with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka in Kolkata, leading to speculation that they might resolve their differences and continue their collaboration in the next season.

However, Goenka remained non-committal about Rahul’s status, and a recent report from ESPNCricinfo confirmed that the wicketkeeper-batter would not be included in the retention list. This list primarily features players like Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mohsin Khan. According to a report from the Times of India, LSG had offered Rahul a spot in their retention list for the 2025 season, but he opted against it due to a mix of personal and professional reasons. A source revealed, “LSG was ready to offer a top retention bracket to Rahul, but he ultimately decided to move on.”

As Rahul steps away from LSG, he finds himself in the middle of a competitive landscape with multiple franchises vying for his signature. His experience and leadership skills make him an attractive prospect for any team. Despite his absence from the T20I roster, his prior achievements as captain of LSG—leading the team to the playoffs twice over three seasons—underscore his value.

Currently, four franchises are reportedly interested in acquiring Rahul: the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans. “At the moment, there are four franchises that have expressed their interest in him. Expect all four to go hard for him in the auction,” the source added.

Throughout his IPL career, KL Rahul has played 132 matches across four franchises, including RCB, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab, and LSG. He has amassed an impressive 4,683 runs, maintaining an average of 45.47 and a strike rate of 134.61, highlighted by four centuries and 37 half-centuries. With such a record, it’s no wonder that teams are eager to secure his talents as the auction approaches.

As fans and franchises await the final retention lists, KL Rahul’s next move will certainly be a focal point in the cricket community, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the IPL next season.