KL Rahul isn’t going to return to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). At least, according to Ravichandran Ashwin’s mock Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. The legendary off-spinner who’s turned into a season social media personality decided it was time to recreate the Jeddah atmosphere a week before the auction and started with bidding wars on marquee players.
KL Rahul gets the big bucks at Ashwin’s ‘mock’ IPL 2025 auction
Rahul has set himself the base price of Rs 2 crore and is placed in the 1st marquee players list. Ashwin’s auction rules the same price rule but with a slight change in the bidding process. The franchises were given the chance to place a direct Rs 5 and 10 crore bid. RCB, Rahul’s old franchise, started with a Rs 10 crore bid and didn’t try for him again.
Gujarat Titans (GT), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) joined the party. GT were the first to quit the bidding war, and KKR went toe-to-toe and were willing to pay Rs 17.5 crore. But as soon as the next bid came in from DC, they chose it was too rich for them.
KL Rahul worth Rs 18 crore?
Many feel that KL Rahul isn’t a great T20 player. But the batter from Karnataka has often shown he’s got that 5th gear needed. His issue seems to be more with intent. Having played for teams with slightly weaker batting lineups since leaving RCB, Rahul had decided that he’d anchor the innings to ensure they get to an average total instead of getting bundled out cheaply while going for big runs. He’s already talked about playing with ‘freedom’. This indicates a change in his mindset. You can expect Rahul to get going early in the innings from now on.
As for the price tag, how many players are present in the IPL who have a 10-year experience? How many have led two different franchises? And have more than 4500 runs? No one barring Rahul has done all three. On top of this, he’s a wicketkeeper as well as a seasoned opener. He’s a big enough name to lead the team as well. He’s done well in international cricket and gathers respect from players and coaches equally. He’s easily worth Rs 18 crore, if not more.
KL Rahul’s IPL record by franchise
| Team | Span | Inns | Runs | Avg | SR | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucknow Super Giants | 2022-24 | 38 | 1410 | 41.47 | 130.62 | 2 | 10 |
| Punjab Kings | 2018-2021 | 55 | 2548 | 56.62 | 139.76 | 2 | 23 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2013 & 2016 | 14 | 417 | 37.90 | 145.29 | 0 | 4 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2014-15 | 16 | 308 | 23.69 | 106.20 | 0 | 0 |
