RCB Sets Sights On KL Rahul For Key Roles In IPL 2025 Mega Auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are reportedly eyeing their former player and current Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul as a top priority for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. This auction might take place at the end of this year or early in 2025.

1. Captain: If the retention limit remains at four, RCB will likely keep Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Will Jacks, and Mohammed Siraj. This would leave no room for Faf Du Plessis, who has led the team for the past three seasons. Rahul could fill this leadership void while also fitting into the Indian player category.

2. Opener: Should RCB part ways with Du Plessis, they will need a new opener. Rahul has consistently scored runs in the IPL as an opener, making him a smart choice for RCB. Pairing him with Jacks instead of Kohli could be a better strategy during powerplays.

3. Wicketkeeper: With Dinesh Karthik transitioning to a batting coach role post-retirement, RCB's wicketkeeping slot is vacant. Although Anuj Rawat is an option, he may be released before the auction. Rahul's proven wicketkeeping skills make him an ideal candidate for this role.

A video clip showing LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka seemingly arguing with Rahul after a loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad went viral, leading to criticism of Goenka. Reports suggest that LSG might release Rahul and appoint a new captain for the next season.

The Karnataka star batter could return to his hometown franchise if LSG releases him during the retention window. Despite his recent dip in form and being overlooked for T20 World Cup and series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, RCB still wants to sign him.

Rahul's versatility as a player makes him highly valuable despite debates over his strike rate in T20s. He has been selected as a wicketkeeper for India's ODI series in Sri Lanka alongside Rishabh Pant.

The Bengaluru-based side sees potential in bringing back their former player who has previously played 19 matches for them in 2013 and 2016 seasons, scoring 417 runs with a top score of an unbeaten 68.

If LSG releases their most expensive player and RCB fails to retain Du Plessis before the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, many factors will need to align for this move to happen.