KL Rahul, who needs no introduction when it comes to international cricket or in IPL, has over 4,000 runs in just 132 IPL games, with a decent strike rate of 134.61. A proven match-winner, although his current form isn’t at its peak, there’s no doubt about his calibre as a wicketkeeper-batter. With the IPL 2025 mega auction approaching and KL Rahul no longer in the Lucknow Super Giants, this star player will go under the hammer. Reports suggest that Royal Challengers Bengaluru is eyeing Rahul, but considering how big KL Rahul is, it won’t be easy for RCB to secure him, as other teams may also bid for him, especially those in need of a wicketkeeper-batter.
So, which teams could challenge RCB to acquire KL Rahul in the IPL 2025 auction? See three teams apart from RCB that could target him
KKR
The current IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, are known for purchasing big players. A prime example of this was Mitchell Starc in the last auction, when they went all out and bought him for Rs 24.75 crore. Now, looking at KKR’s needs, the first and foremost requirement is a captain and a wicketkeeper-batter. With Shreyas Iyer, who was their leader, no longer with them, and with Philip Salt also not there, the team needs a quality wicketkeeper who can also take charge with the bat. Given KL Rahul’s vast experience as an opener, we might see KKR targeting him in the IPL 2025 auction. Also, with no Shreyas Iyer, there’s a possibility that if KKR bids high for Rahul, he could become the captain of KKR in IPL 2025.
Delhi Capitals
Having INR 73 crore in their purse, the Delhi Capitals have the third-highest available purse for the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. With no Rishabh Pant, this could open a gate for KL Rahul. Much like KKR, Delhi needs someone who can keep wickets and also showcase his class as a batter, just as Pant did over the years. Pant was also the captain for Delhi, meaning the team is looking for someone who can lead them as well. KL Rahul, who did a decent job as the Lucknow Super Giants skipper and had leadership experience with Punjab Kings in the past, could be a prime candidate for the captaincy role. We can expect DC to consider giving him the mantle for IPL 2025.
Punjab Kings
Now, if we look at the curious case of Punjab Kings, a team that has not won any major laurels since IPL inception, but they are heading into the IPL 2025 auction with a hefty budget of INR 110.50 crore. This gives them a strong chance to capitalise on that and buy some of the biggest players in the IPL. Not to mention, KL Rahul is not new to the camp. He has already played for Punjab Kings since 2018 and donned the Punjab jersey for four years. Rahul was in his prime while playing for the team, having scored over 2,500 runs.
With no Shikhar Dhawan, the team is in need of a captain. Who better than KL Rahul to lead the team? The chances are that, apart from RCB, PBKS will also be interested in bringing Rahul back into the fold.
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