"It's home," says KL Rahul about joining RCB in IPL 2025

Even before the respective retentions for IPL 2025 were confirmed, KL Rahul faced speculations about joining RCB for the next edition. The exit of KL Rahul from LSG, where he was drafted as the captain when the franchise debuted in IPL 2022, was one of the most predictable moves ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Leading the team into the playoffs twice consecutively didn’t amount to much for LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka, as he was witnessed berating Rahul following LSG's heavy defeat to SRH. The on-camera incident was enough for any fan to gauge that IPL 2024 would be the last of their collaboration. As the speculations turned true, a fresh set of anticipation has emerged around KL Rahul joining RCB.

KL Rahul talks about the possibility of joining RCB in IPL 2025

KL Rahul will enter the IPL 2025 mega auction as one of the biggest names in the pool. With franchises like Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals in need of a captain, a bidding war is expected for Rahul. However, RCB could be leading the race to acquire the wicketkeeper-batter in the mega auction. The Karnataka native has previously played for his home franchise, where he was part of the team that played the IPL final in 2016. Now, the speculations of Rahul coming to RCB for IPL 2025 were fired up again when the social media handle of RCB posted a video of Rahul and Virat practising together. Speaking on the matter in his recent interaction, KL Rahul admitted that he would love to be back in the Bengaluru camp.

"I most enjoyed playing at RCB. It’s home. You get to spend a lot of time at home. I know the Chinnaswamy really well; I have grown up playing there. So, yeah, I really enjoyed playing at RCB," he said. "Of course (Would you like to be back at RCB?) Bengaluru is home. People there know me as a local Kannada boy. It would be nice to go back there and get an opportunity. But, yeah, it’s an auction year; you can go anywhere," he added.

However, the seasoned player, who has played for four IPL teams since his debut in 2013, stated that he is prepared for any curveball thrown at him in the mega auction. The wicketkeeper-batter, who has captained Punjab and Lucknow, moreover stated that he is ready to play at any position that is required. Rahul furthermore stated that he will not ask for the captaincy position from anyone in the following season. If the franchise that picks him in the mega auction deems it fit, they will offer the leadership position to Rahul without any nudge from the player himself.

"I have always been flexible in my head. Opening, middle order, keeping, fielding. I am okay with any role or any responsibility given to me," KL Rahul said. “I would never go and ask someone for it (captaincy). If you feel that my leadership skills are good enough and if you find something good in the way I play my cricket, in the way I handle myself and handled the teams that I have captained in the last few years, if you find me worthy, I am happy to do it. It's not something make-or-break for me,” he added.