3 Players Who Can Replace KL Rahul As LSG Captain Ahead Of IPL 2025

Potential candidates who could replace KL Rahul as the captain [X.com]Potential candidates who could replace KL Rahul as the captain [X.com]

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 approaches, reports suggest that KL Rahul, India’s star wicket-keeper batter, may be retained by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) but not as captain. Rahul, who has been a pivotal figure in the franchise, recently had a meeting with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka in Kolkata. 

While Rahul expressed his desire to stay with the team, the assurance of his captaincy role remains uncertain. 

This uncertainty stems from a past incident where Goenka was seen in a heated discussion with Rahul after a defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, leading to widespread speculation about Rahul’s future as captain.

As LSG prepares for the upcoming season and with the retention rules yet to be announced, here are three potential candidates who could replace KL Rahul as the captain:

It is important to note that here, in this article, we have picked potential candidates who are already part of the current LSG squad.

Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran, the West Indies wicket-keeper batter, has been a significant asset for LSG since his acquisition in 2022 for a hefty sum of ₹16 crores. Pooran’s leadership experience, coupled with his explosive batting, makes him a strong contender for the captaincy. His ability to steer the team through challenging situations and his long-term potential with the franchise make him a prime candidate.

Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya, an all-rounder with a wealth of experience, has been with LSG since 2020. He has already shown leadership capabilities by captaining the team in Rahul’s absence during the last season. Pandya’s familiarity with the team’s culture and his balanced approach to both batting and bowling could make him a natural choice for captaincy.

Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock, the South African wicket-keeper batter, brings a wealth of experience both as a player and as a former captain of international teams. His role behind the stumps gives him a unique perspective on the game, and his leadership skills could prove invaluable for LSG.

De Kock’s aggressive batting style and tactical acumen make him a strong candidate to lead the team if Rahul steps down from the role.