After the conclusion of the LSG vs SRH match in the previous edition of the IPL, a video of an argument between Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka and the skipper went viral on social media. In this video, Sanjiv Goenka was seen getting angry with Rahul after the loss. Since then, it was expected that Rahul would leave the franchise next year. The franchise wanted to retain Rahul but the 32-year-old didn't listen to them. Now Rahul has opened up about why he decided to leave Lucknow.
Rahul captained the team for three seasons. The franchise made its IPL debut in 2022 and made it to the playoffs in the first season under Rahul's captaincy. After that, Rahul got injured midway through the next season, but the team still reached the playoffs. Last season, Rahul couldn't set his time to qualify for the playoffs.
“We needed freedom and a more relaxed atmosphere to start over.”
Former Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul has explained his reasons for quitting the team in an interview with Star Sports. Rahul explained his desire for freedom and a new beginning.
“I want a fresh start,” he explained. I would like to explore my options. I want to go somewhere where I can play freely. where there is a relaxed team environment. You have to find something positive for yourself and move on sometimes. The upcoming IPL season excites me. I’m looking for a team where I can enjoy playing cricket.”
The Lucknow team led by Rahul finished seventh in the overall points table last season. The team only had 14 points next to their name in 14 games. For the first time, this team failed to reach the playoffs despite having players like KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya, Marcus Stoinis and Ayush Badoni at the team's disposal.
Their poor net run rate eliminated this team from the playoff race. Rahul, who failed as captain, had a good season with the bat and got a lot of runs as a batsman. Last season, he scored a total of 520 runs in 14 games with his bat. His strike rate was 136.13 and he also scored four half-centuries.
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