KL Rahul opens up on his exit from LSG ahead of IPL 2025

One of the many speculations about IPL 2025 predicted the exit of KL Rahul from Lucknow Super Giants. The rumors were confirmed when LSG retained five players for the next edition, but their skipper for three seasons, Rahul, found no place among the retained picks. While it is unclear whether Rahul's exit was his decision or a move by the management, the former skipper has opened up about leaving the team. KL Rahul will be one of the most prominent names in the IPL 2025 auction pool, alongside the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant.

"I wanted to start fresh": KL Rahul talks about his exit from LSG

KL Rahul, who was recently released from the LSG camp ahead of IPL 2025, opened up on his omission in his latest interaction. Addressing the development, Rahul revealed that it was his own decision to explore opportunities with a new team. Through the IPL 2025 mega auction, the 32-year-old aims to find a team that will give him 'freedom' and a lighter environment within the camp.

"I wanted to start fresh. I wanted to explore my options. I wanted to go and play where where I could find some freedom and the team atmoshphere would be lighter. Sometimes, you need to move away and find something good for yourself," Rahul said about leaving LSG ahead of the next edition of IPL.

The wicketkeeper batter who has kept at a distance from the Indian T20I setup since the 2022 T20 World Cup, moreover, opened up on his plan to regai a place in the national side for the shorter format. Aware of where he stands in the equation, Rahul explained that the upcoming season of IPL will be crucial for him if he plans a comeback to team India in T20Is. 

"I have been out of the T20 team for a while. I know where I stand as a player. I know what I need to do to get back. I look forward to this IPL season and hope it gives me that platform to go back and enjoy my cricket. My aim is to get back into the T20 team." said Rahul.

KL Rahul has not played a T20I for India since the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final loss to England in Adelaide. Additionally, he was not selected for the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad. Over his 38 appearances for LSG since joining in 2022 for Rs. 17 crore, Rahul has scored 1,410 runs at an average of 41.47 and a strike rate of 130.67. He served as the franchise's first captain and held that role until the 2024 season. With Rahul’s departure, LSG will be looking for a new captain for the 2025 season. The franchise has retained five players including Nicholas Pooras, who is likely to earn the leading position following Rahul's departure.