KL Rahul, who joined the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2022, is reportedly set to be released into the player pool ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction. The IPL Governing Council recently confirmed the retention and Right-To-Match (RTM) rules, prompting franchises to consider their best retention strategies. Rahul’s future with LSG has been uncertain, especially due to his fluctuating form last season and his absence from Team India’s T20I setup. According to sources, LSG’s management, including mentor Zaheer Khan and coach Justin Langer, conducted an in-depth analysis of Rahul’s performance, which reportedly didn’t earn him the confidence of LSG’s decision-makers.KL Rahul Set to Be Released by Lucknow Super Giants Following Zaheer Khan’s Bold Report.
In a report by the *Times of India*, Zaheer Khan and Justin Langer reviewed Rahul’s batting stats, which showed a pattern linking extended innings from Rahul to the team’s losses. Their analysis suggested that as Rahul faced more deliveries, LSG’s chances of winning decreased. It indicated that his strike rate often didn’t match the high-scoring demands of modern T20 games, especially with the Impact Player rule now driving up scores across matches. An IPL insider noted, “The LSG management found that the team has lost almost every match where KL has batted long. His strike rate doesn’t keep up with the game’s momentum, which is critical, especially with the Impact Player rule. A player taking too much time at the top could hinder the team’s performance.”
Meanwhile, LSG is focusing on retaining young talent and high-impact players. Fast bowler Mayank Yadav is a strong contender for retention, with reports suggesting he might be among the top three players the franchise retains. Having scouted and invested in Yadav when he was relatively unknown, LSG has seen him develop into a game-changing player. “Mayank is LSG’s find. He has shown the potential to make a major impact, and the franchise sees a bright future for him,” the report added.KL Rahul Set to Be Released by Lucknow Super Giants Following Zaheer Khan’s Bold Report.
Additionally, uncapped players like Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan, who have shown promise, are expected to stay with the team. This retention strategy aligns with LSG’s commitment to developing young talent and building a core group of players who can deliver consistently.
There are also rumors that LSG may look to acquire Rishabh Pant as their captain if Delhi Capitals were to release him. Pant’s leadership potential and aggressive batting style could be an ideal fit for LSG’s vision going forward, potentially addressing the need for a dynamic top-order batsman and captain.KL Rahul Set to Be Released by Lucknow Super Giants Following Zaheer Khan’s Bold Report.
As LSG restructures its roster, these strategic moves suggest a fresh approach focused on building a team that aligns with the fast-paced and evolving demands of the IPL.
