Author – Ishika Aggarwal
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are reportedly set to part ways with their long-standing captain KL Rahul ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. According to reports from Times of India, the franchise is seeking a new skipper after their worst-ever performance in IPL 2024, where they failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time.
The IPL Governing Council recently confirmed the retention rules for the IPL 2025 mega auction, allowing each team to retain six players, including the use of the Right to Match (RTM) card. However, KL Rahul’s declining form in IPL 2024, combined with his absence from India’s T20 side, has led to speculation about LSG moving on from the wicketkeeper-batsman.
“The LSG management has studied KL Rahul’s stats” – Sources
Sources indicate that LSG’s mentor Zaheer Khan and head coach Justin Langer have conducted an in-depth analysis of Rahul’s performance, concluding that his strike rate doesn’t align with the fast-paced demands of modern T20 cricket.
“The LSG management has studied KL Rahul’s stats, and it appears the team has struggled in matches where he has batted long innings. His strike rate doesn’t match the momentum required in the game, especially with the Impact Player rule pushing scores higher. You can’t afford a slow start at the top of the order,” an IPL source told TOI.
Meanwhile, LSG is keen on retaining fast bowler Mayank Yadav, who made his T20I debut recently. A source close to the franchise praised Yadav’s growth, stating, “Mayank is LSG’s discovery. They invested in him early, and he has shown his potential to change matches.”
With the IPL 2025 retention deadline approaching, all eyes are on LSG to see which players they choose to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
