With just few moments to IPL 2025 retention, all ten franchises are set to finalise and announce their retention lists by 5 PM IST today, October 31. This crucial deadline could significantly impact the careers of numerous Indian and international cricket stars, including KL Rahul.
KL Rahul to leave LSG and enter IPL 2025 auction
According to various reports, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul is likely to part ways with the franchise and enter the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Following a heated discussion with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka after a loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the previous IPL season, Rahul's future with the team has been uncertain, leading to speculation about his departure.
However, a recent report by the Times of India suggests that LSG did extend a retention offer to Rahul. The Indian batter's future with the franchise became even more uncertain when he visited Kolkata on August 26th to discuss his career path with Sanjiv Goenka.
Reason behind KL Rahul declining LSG offer and enter auction
However, it's reported that Rahul declined the retention offer from LSG, citing personal and professional reasons for his decision to leave the franchise. As per current reports, Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mohsin Khan are expected to be retained by LSG.
"LSG were ready to offer top retention bracket to Rahul, but Rahul eventually decided to move on due to personal and professional reasons. "At the moment, there are four franchises who have expressed their interest in him - Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals and the Chennai Super Kings. Expect all four to go hard for him in the auction," a source privy to the development said, as quoted by Times of India.
According to reports, four IPL franchises are vying for Rahul's services: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians. A fierce bidding war is expected to unfold during the IPL 2025 auction.
The auction purse has been increased by 20%, giving teams a total of Rs 120 crore to spend. The revised salary cap now stands at Rs 146 crore. This significant increase in the auction purse is likely to fuel intense competition among franchises during the mega auction.
