KL Rahul, the former captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has shed light on his departure from the franchise, citing a desire for a fresh start and greater freedom on the field. Rahul’s exit has sparked speculation about the reasons behind his departure, but he has clarified that it was his own decision to explore new opportunities.
“I wanted to start fresh, explore my options, and find a team where I could play with freedom,” Rahul said in an interview with Star Sports. “Sometimes you just need to move away and find something good for yourself.”
Rahul’s departure from LSG comes after a disappointing season for the team, which finished ninth in the IPL 2024 standings. The team’s owner, Sanjiv Goenka, expressed frustration following their loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, hinting at underlying tensions within the dressing room.
Rahul, who captained LSG for three seasons, was notably absent from their retained players list for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. He is expected to be one of the most sought-after players in the auction, which will be held in Jeddah on November 24 and 25.
Despite his recent struggles, Rahul remains confident in his abilities and is determined to make a comeback to the Indian T20 team. He has been out of the national setup for over two years but believes that the upcoming IPL season will provide him with the platform to showcase his skills and earn a recall.
“I know where I stand as a player and I know what I need to do to get back,” Rahul said. “I look forward to this IPL season to give me that platform to go back and enjoy my cricket. My aim is to obviously get back into the T20 team.”
Rahul’s departure from LSG marks a significant change for the franchise, which will now need to find a new captain and rebuild its squad for the upcoming season. It remains to be seen whether Rahul will be able to find the success and freedom he seeks with a new team, but his determination to make a comeback to the Indian team is a testament to his resilience and ambition.
