KL Rahul
KL Rahul

Multiple media publications have indicated that KL Rahul will be released by the Lucknow Super Giants. The top wicketkeeper-batsman is anticipated to enter the IPL 2025 auction. If former India star Aakash Chopra is to be believed, Rahul would fetch a high price in the bidding war. Notably, wicketkeeper-batters are expected to receive a lot of interest from franchises during the auction, and with Rahul being one of the greatest in the business, Chopra believes he may fetch anywhere between Rs 25 crore and 30 crore.

Rahul has frequently faced criticism for his strike rate in the shortest format, but Chopra believes it will not impact the player at the auction. Rahul’s strike rate dropped to 113.22 during the IPL 2023, the third lowest in tournament history, before he made a stunning return with 136.13 in the 2024 season. Rahul had a strike rate of 134.61 across 132 games in the event.

“Rishabh Pant will get a lot of money. The cost could reach Rs 25 crore or perhaps 30 crore. The same holds for KL Rahul. Again, a wicketkeeper-batter who scores 500-600 runs per year. Some folks will be devastated by his strike rate. I saw a meme somewhere that he is over 30 years old, married, and everyone says he is done, so CSK may accept him because such players go there,” Chopra remarked on his YouTube channel.

“He can also go to Bengaluru. Of course, this is also his home. “All the same franchises, Punjab, Delhi, Mumbai, where his numbers are very high, Kolkata, everyone needs him,” Chopra continued. Rishabh Pant, another wicketkeeper-batter, is expected to enter the IPL 2025 auction. According to media sources, the Delhi Capitals plan to cut ways with him.

“It is being reported that Rishabh Pant may be available at the auction. Although the jury is out, many people claim his numbers in T20s are not very excellent, he had only one breakout season in the IPL and hasn’t scored too many runs aside from that, I can promise you in writing that the bank will be broken if his name comes up in the auction.” Chopra