After a disappointing performance in IPL 2024, Lucknow Super Giants may part ways with captain KL Rahul. Under Rahul’s leadership, the Lucknow team failed to qualify for the playoffs this season. Rahul has been a crucial part of the team since 2022, but according to media reports, the franchise is unlikely to retain him after three years at the helm.
In addition to Lucknow’s inability to reach the playoffs, Rahul’s underwhelming performance has also become a reason for the management to consider letting him go. According to a report by India Today, the management has had extensive discussions regarding Rahul’s future with the team and has concluded that the franchise will move forward without him. A source within the franchise stated, “We have discussed Rahul’s role multiple times with the team management and have reached the conclusion that the team will move on without him.”
As one of the experienced batsmen in the IPL, Rahul could attract significant buyers in the upcoming mega auction for IPL 2025. His strike rate in recent seasons makes him a candidate for this. In the 2022 season, he scored 616 runs at a strike rate of 135.38, but his form declined in subsequent seasons, with his strike rate dropping to 113.22. In the 2024 season, Rahul scored 520 runs at a strike rate of 136.13, but his rhythm was disrupted due to an injury during the 2023 season. So far, Rahul has played 132 matches in the IPL, scoring 4,683 runs at a strike rate of 134.61, which includes four centuries and 37 half-centuries. Despite his strong track record, the Lucknow franchise is exploring other options.
If Rahul is released, Lucknow may retain three players, including fast bowler Mayank Yadav, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, and West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran. Mayank impressed everyone with his pace this season, and the franchise is expected to retain him at a good price. However, he only played four matches in the 2024 season due to injury. Mayank recently made his debut for India in a T20 series against Bangladesh. It is believed that Lucknow could retain Mayank for a price between ₹11 to ₹14 crore.
According to media reports, young talented bowler Ravi Bishnoi is also included in Lucknow’s retention list. The former number one T20 international bowler took 10 wickets in 14 matches during the 2024 season, and he could also be retained at a good price. Meanwhile, Pooran has played a crucial role in the middle order and has impressed with the bat, so he may also remain with the team. Despite the decision to release KL Rahul, there are speculations that the franchise could bid for him again in the auction, albeit at a more balanced price. However, no official announcements regarding retention or release have been made yet. All franchises have until October 31 to make their decisions.