KL Rahul, a senior India batter and former T20 vice-captain, has expressed his desire to stay with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the IPL 2025 season, as per latest reports.
Despite his eagerness, the LSG management is hesitant to commit until the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) clarifies the retention rules for the upcoming mega auction. Rahul's meeting with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka has sparked speculation about his future with the franchise, especially considering his recent struggles in the T20 format and the team's uncertain plans.
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Rahul has led LSG to the playoffs in the first two IPL seasons. His captaincy came under question in the third season, where it was widely believed that Gautam Gambhir’s strategic input helped in the team’s success.
Rahul has made it clear to LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka that he wants to be retained for the upcoming season. An IPL Governing Council member revealed that Rahul met with Goenka in Kolkata to discuss his future.
"Yes, Rahul came to Kolkata and met Dr Goenka at RPG head office. He has clearly told Dr Goenka that he wants to be retained. However, till BCCI comes up with retention policy, LSG management wouldn't want to chalk out their plans," an IPL Governing Council member told PTI.
What is Lucknow Super Giants' dilemma?
The hesitation from LSG’s management stems from uncertainty about the retention policy and the financial implications of retaining Rahul. If Rahul is retained, he could be their first-choice player, which would potentially costing the team around ₹18 to 20 crores.
This amount could limit LSG’s options in the auction, especially as franchises are increasingly looking for dynamic, X-factor players at the top. Moreover, Rahul’s recent performance in the T20 format and his captaincy track record have not generated strong interest from other franchises. This makes his retention a risky move.
As a result, Rahul may find himself back in the auction pool, where his value could be tested at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Meanwhile, LSG is preparing for the next season, reportedly finalizing a deal with Zaheer Khan to join as a mentor.
However, on Wednesday, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka addressed the media in a press conference where he confirmed that KL Rahul is still an integral part of LSG saying:
"KL has been an integral and important part of the LSG family since inception. He's played a very important role. He's like family and will be family."
"Look, I've been meeting KL regularly over last three years. I'm a little surprised this meeting got so much attention. As I've said we have not taken any call till the retention rules are out," Goenka told reporters.
