KL Rahul, who is currently the topic of discussion, is reportedly set to leave the Lucknow Super Giants and join RCB in the IPL 2025. Rahul, with more than 4,000 runs and 133 IPL matches of experience, did not enjoy a successful stint as captain in IPL 2024 for LSG, as the franchise finished 7th on the table with 7 wins and 7 losses.
We also witnessed an animated exchange between LSG owner Sanjay Goenka and Rahul,which clearly indicated turmoil in their relationship. Although nothing is confirmed, there is a strong possibility that we may see KL Rahul with a new franchise. If he trusts all the reports, then he is all set to return to his home, Bengaluru. But still, there are few questions among cricket fans, with the first being, Why RCB?
Let’s take a look at three reasons why RCB may pursue this stylish wicketkeeper-batter.
Provides wicket-keeping option
Since there is no Dinesh Karthik, the wicket-keeping position is completely vacant, and RCB will look to fill it first. Karthik has now been assigned as the batting coach of RCB and will be part of the management team, making space for KL Rahul, who has proven himself as an excellent wicketkeeper with 56 catches and 7 stumpings. We also saw his glovework in the last ODI World Cup. There is no doubt that RCB will not find a better replacement than him in the next IPL.
Replacement for Faf du Plessis as captain
It would be surprising if RCB does not retain Faf du Plessis in the mega auction. If that happens, KL Rahul stepping in as captain is high. As the current situation is still unclear, it is expected that RCB will retain four players. If this is the case, the possible retentions could include Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Will Jacks, and Mohammed Siraj. Should this scenario go then RCB might opt for KL Rahul as their captain. Looking at his IPL captaincy record, he has played 64 games, winning 31 and losing 31 in IPL.
Can play as opener
If Faf du Plessis is not retained, RCB will not only lose their captain but also an opener. Until IPL 2024, RCB have been fortunate to have Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis opening the innings and putting pressure on opposition bowlers. However, if du Plessis is not retained, KL Rahul would be the best choice. Rahul has a good amount of experience opening the inning for RCB, having played for them from 2013 to 2016. During that period, he scored 417 runs, with the highest score of an unbeaten 68. Based on current reports, it seems logical for RCB to consider picking KL Rahul ahead of IPL 2025.
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