KL Rahul will play for the Delhi Capitals (DC) going forward in the IPL. The Delhi Capitals bought the wicket-keeper batter for INR 14 crores.
Rahul was earlier part of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) since the franchise was introduced in the IPL in 2022. LSG finished in the 7th position in IPL 2024 with 7 wins in 14 games.
They finished 3rd in IPL 2022 and 2023 but failed to win the title even once. KL Rahul was criticised heavily by the fans and experts for his slow approach and strike rate. LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was seen having a very animated chat with KL Rahul after one of the matches in the IPL.
LSG then released Rahul ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. He also gave a statement that he wanted players who prioritized the team over personal milestones.
Now, KL Rahul is set to play for the Delhi Capitals. DC owner Parth Jinda said in an interview with ESPNCricinfo that KL Rahul told him, “I want love and respect” from the Delhi Capitals.
Parth Jindal said, “So he (Rahul) was like, “I just want to play cricket. Just want to get the love and support from the franchise. Want to get the respect and I know Parth from you, I will get that. I just can’t be more excited to play for a friend and make Delhi win. I have never won (IPL). Delhi has never won. Let’s do it together”.
KL Rahul may lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025
Jindal further added, “He’s very happy, very excited to be part of Delhi. He has known me for a long time. He’s a Bangalore (Bengaluru) boy. I own Bengaluru FC (in the Indian Super League), so he’s watched a few games with me. I know his wife Athiya (Shetty) really well. She’s been a close family friend growing up in Mumbai”.
KL Rahul has the experience of leading an IPL franchise. With Pant gone, DC also needs a new captain and most probably KL Rahul will get that responsibility. There are reports that Axar Patel or even Faf du Plessis are in contention of being DC’s new captain for IPL 2025.
