3 reasons why RCB should go after KL Rahul if LSG release him
In recent times, there have been several reports that suggest that KL Rahul may not be retained by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction.
If these reports are to be believed, the star Indian batter will certainly be a hot commodity in the auction. Several teams have been wanting to acquire the services of KL Rahul, who has been a prolific run-scorer in the cash-rich league over the years.
Reports of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) going after Rahul if he is released by LSG, are also doing the rounds. Notably, Rahul, born in Bangalore, Karnataka, is a local boy and has also represented the franchise in the past (2013 and 2016).
It would be a delightful sight for the local boy to return to his 'home' franchise and there are more than convincing reasons for RCB to go after Rahul in the mega auction should he be available.
3 reasons why RCB should go after KL Rahul if LSG release him
#3 RCB's captaincy conundrum with question mark over Faf du Plessis' retention
South African Faf du Plessis, 40, captained RCB in IPL 2024. With Faf aging, despite his respectable performances for the franchise, it is unlikely that the team will retain him ahead of the mega auction.
Keeping a long-term strategy in mind, Faf is unlikely to be retained and in such a scenario, RCB will be desperate for a solid captain to lead their side. It is also unlikely that Virat Kohli will take over as captain.
With KL Rahul having the experience of captaincy in the IPL, having led LSG to the playoffs in two out of three seasons, getting him in could be a perfect solution to their captaincy issue.
#2 Need for a wicket-keeper with Dinesh Karthik retiring
Dinesh Karthik, who donned the gloves for RCB in the last three seasons behind the wickets, announced his retirement after IPL 2024. With Dinesh Karthik now not in the scene, the Bengaluru franchise is also in need of a reliable wicket-keeper and Indian batter.
KL Rahul, being a wicketkeeper-batter, will also solve the problem of looking for a reliable and experienced wicket-keeper should RCB manage to get him at the mega auction.
While they do have Anuj Rawat, it is unlikely that he will be retained as he could not create a significant impact in whatever opportunities he was given. Rahul also brings in experience of handling the glovework, not just in the IPL, but also for the national team.
#1 Need for an opener alongside Virat Kohli
Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli opened the batting for RCB last season. With Faf unlikely to be retained, the franchise will also need a solid opening partner alongside Virat Kohli.
KL Rahul, who has previous experience of opening the batting in this format and also in the IPL, could be the perfect fit at the top. Having played with Virat in the Indian team, he will also have a strong bond and understanding that could create a dangerous opening pair.
RCB do not have any other well-established Indian batter in the lineup apart from Virat Kohli. Rahul, with all his experience, fits the bill perfectly. Him being a local boy also adds to the advantages as he has played a large portion of his cricket at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. An understanding of the conditions will certainly help Rahul bring out his best performance, which could in turn benefit RCB.