Star India National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul has opened up on joining Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
KL Rahul said that watching the mega auction was a nerve-wracking experience for him, and he was quite relieved when he was acquired by the Delhi Capitals (DC) franchise because team co-owner Parth Jindal is his good friend.
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KL Rahul bought by Delhi Capitals for INR 14 crore
Rahul was released by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after leading the team for three seasons following his switch from the Punjab Kings (PBKS).
The stad batter played 38 matches for the Lucknow Super Giants and scored 1410 runs at an average of 41.47 and a strike rate of 130.67. His presence was vital for LSG as he made terrific contributions with the bat and the Super Giants also qualified for the playoffs in two out of their three seasons.
Meanwhile, his release happened after the in-famous on-field heated chat with the LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka. Lucknow Super Giants faced a 10-wicket thrashing at the hands of the Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 8 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad. After the game, Goenka was quite upset and he was seen bashing Rahul brutally on the field.
As Rahul entered the auction, many felt the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) would break their bank for him, but that didn’t happen, and he was eventually signed by Delhi Capitals for INR 14 crore, taking a pay cut as he was earning INR 17 crore at LSG.
It’s where I feel most comfortable – KL Rahul on his preferred batting position in IPL
Speaking exclusively in Superstars on JioHotstar ahead of IPL 2025, KL Rahul said that he would prefer to bat in the top order for Delhi Capitals but was ready to adapt and play whatever role the team management demands from him.
“I have grown up playing in the top order. From my first competitive match in Mangalore at 11 to my early days for India, I have been a top-order batter. It’s where I feel most comfortable,” Rahul said.
“You don’t always get to choose your role. Over the years, I’ve learned to embrace that and give my best wherever needed,” he added.
The auction was a nerve-wracking experience – KL Rahul
Rahul, who was up for grabs at the auction after a very long time, said that he was quite nervous seeing teams place bids for him. He added that the IPL auctions are very unpredictable and they can shape a ‘player’s future or present unexpected challenges.’
“The auction was a nerve-wracking experience. As a player, not knowing which team you will end up with is never easy. Over the years, I’ve seen how unpredictable auctions can be—there’s no fixed pattern to how things unfold.”
“Having been a captain for the last three seasons, I have been actively involved in the process of building a team. I understand the kind of pressure franchises face when assembling a squad. But from a player’s perspective, it’s even tougher because your career is at stake. The auction can shape a player’s future or present unexpected challenges. I was definitely nervous, even a little anxious,” Rahul added.
