IPL 2025: 3 Teams That Can Practically Buy KL Rahul In The Mega Auction

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

KL Rahul for LSG [Source: @ESPNcricinfo/x.com]KL Rahul for LSG [Source: @ESPNcricinfo/x.com]

The IPL 2025 retention lists of the teams were released on October 31, 2024. The lists had some surprises, making things interesting for the upcoming mega auction.

One major step was taken by the Lucknow Super Giants. They decided to release their captain and opening batter, KL Rahul, ahead of the next season. Since his release from LSG, the Indian star has been one of the biggest talking points for the auction. There have been speculations, rumours, and guesses about which team will buy Rahul for the event. This article will analyse and try to find which three teams can see through the bidding war for KL Rahul.

3. Delhi Capitals

Purse Remaining - INR 73 Cr

Do Delhi Capitals Need KL Rahul?

  • Much like the Lucknow Super Giants, the Delhi Capitals also released their skipper of IPL 2024, Rishabh Pant. So, the Capitals will be in search of a captain. KL Rahul could be one of their prime targets in this case. The fact that they will have the third biggest purse at the start of the auction will help them take the fight in the bidding war for the Indian star.
  • Besides wanting a captain, with David Warner gone, the Delhi Capitals will also search for a stable and consistent opener. KL Rahul has shown over the years that he can be that steady anchor for his team, and he can score runs consistently throughout the season. The Capitals can look to repurchase an attacking opener like Jake Fraser-McGurk and pair him up with the steady Rahul, adding dynamism to their batting line-up at the top.

2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru

KL Rahul for RCB [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]KL Rahul for RCB [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

Purse Remaining - INR 83 Cr

Do Royal Challengers Bengaluru Need KL Rahul?

  • The most prominent rumour about KL Rahul’s future in the IPL is that he will be joining RCB. The franchises will be going in with the second-highest purse size during the auction, and that will definitely keep them in the bidding war for an ex-RCBian. 
  • With Faf du Plessis released, RCB are also searching for a captain and an opener. KL Rahul seems perfect for this role, as they will get a player for both roles in one bid. Also, the fact that KL and Virat Kohli have a good understanding, as they have played for a long time in the international arena, adds to the probability of RCB going hard for the Indian player during the mega auction.

1. Punjab Kings

Purse Remaining - INR 110.5 Cr

Do Punjab Kings Need KL Rahul?

  • KL Rahul has played for the Punjab Kings and has also led them. The Punjab Kings are once again trying to build their team from scratch. The fact that Rahul led LSG to two consecutive playoffs in their first two seasons is a testament to the fact that he can work on a project like this. With the largest purse size, Punjab Kings will have the leverage of getting their first-choice players in the auction, at least in the first couple of pools. Hence, there is a chance that the Punjab Kings might snap up KL Rahul during the IPL 2025 mega auction.