KL Rahul was not retained by Lucknow Super Giants after a breakdown of the bond with owner Sanjiv Goenka, who had publicly scolded the cricketer following the team’s embarrassing defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. Although the owner tried to mend ways, it was too late as he had already crossed the line. Sanjiv was slammed by former players for his behavior as they felt that Rahul deserved respect and was not alone responsible for the loss.
KL joined Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025, and a match-winning performance was expected from him on his return to Lucknow. He scripted two fifty-plus partnerships with Abishek Porel and Axar Patel to lead the Capitals to an eight-wicket win while chasing 160. The right-handed batter remained unbeaten on 57 runs off 42 balls, laced with 3 fours and 3 sixes.
Axar was not out on 34 runs in 20 balls. On the other hand, Porel managed 51 runs off 36 balls. Former players were expecting an aggressive celebration from Rahul after leading Delhi to a victory, but the player chose to remain silent.
Former India wicket-keeper Saba Karim reacted to Rahul’s silence after Delhi’s one-sided win over the opposite team.
“KL Rahul has given a fitting reply by his silence. If you have to defeat a team, defeat like Delhi Capitals. He made a big contribution and came op top against a team that didn’t retain him for this season,” he said.
Related