LSG To Release Their Skipper KL Rahul For This Reason, Will Retain Three Players

The IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is reportedly considering releasing their skipper KL Rahul ahead of the upcoming auction. Rahul has been with the franchise since its inception in 2022, leading the team in three seasons, two of which resulted in playoff qualifications.

According to a report by a leading publication, LSG management is concerned about Rahul’s scoring rate, which they believe has negatively impacted the team’s performance. A source quoted in the report said, “The LSG management, including mentor Zaheer Khan and coach Justin Langer, has analysed his stats, and it emerged that the team has lost almost all matches where KL Rahul has batted long and scored runs.”

The main issue highlighted is Rahul’s strike rate, which, according to the source, doesn’t align with the fast pace required in modern T20 cricket, especially with the introduction of the Impact Player rule, which has resulted in higher scores. “You can’t afford to have someone taking so much time at the top of the order,” the source added.

Despite the potential release, LSG could still place a bid for Rahul at the auction. His performance for LSG includes 38 matches, in which he has scored 1,410 runs. In 2022, Rahul accumulated 616 runs at a strike rate of 135.38, but his strike rate dropped to 113.22 in the 2023 season. An injury in the middle of the 2023 campaign limited his participation to just nine games. In the 2024 IPL season, Rahul scored 520 runs in 14 matches with a strike rate of 136.13.

As per the report, LSG is expected to retain key players like fast bowler Mayank Yadav, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, and wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran. The deadline for announcing player retention is October 31, ahead of the IPL auction.