India wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul captained Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) since their inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been dropped by the franchise before the mega auction. He has been picked by Delhi Capitals (DC) in the mega auction that happened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for a whopping Rs 14 crores. DC got the Bengaluru-based wicketkeeper batter after getting into a nail-biting bidding war with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
DC owner Parth Jindal said he shares a very good bond with KL Rahul and they watched a few ISL games together.
"He's very happy, very excited to be part of Delhi. He knows me for a long time. He's a Bangalore (Bengaluru) boy. I own Bengaluru FC (in the Indian Super League), so he's watched a few games with me. I know his wife Athiya (Shetty) really well. She's been a close family friend growing up in Mumbai" said Parth Jindal as quoted espncricinfo.
He also revealed his conversation with KL Rahul who is currently in Australia after signing him for Delhi Capitals.
"So he (Rahul) was like, "I just want to play cricket. I just want to get the love and support from the franchise. I just want to get the respect and I know Parth from you, I will get that and just can't be more excited to play for a friend and let's make Delhi win. I have never won (IPL). Delhi has never won. Let's do it together" Jindal added.
Earlier, during the last edition of IPL, KL Rahul captaining LSG had an an animated public chat with owner Sanjiv Goenka after the franchise lost their do-or-die clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 10 wickets. SRH chased down the target of 166 runs in just 10 overs. After SRH's win Goenka was seen having an animated chat with KL Rahul, leading to controversy and a number of cricketers and fans slammed the franchise owner for his taking things public.
