The IPL 2025 Mega Auction had a bidding war for former LSG captain KL Rahul. The Delhi Capitals (DC) won him for ₹14 crore. Rahul, a league veteran, is one of IPL’s most consistent performers. But, he had a dip in form in the 2024 season.
The stylish batter, a former player for SRH, RCB, PBKS, and LSG, now joins the Delhi Capitals. He’ll boost their top order and bring leadership to the squad.
Bidding War for KL Rahul
Rahul’s bid sparked a bidding war, led by RCB and KKR. Both teams were eyeing a new captain, leading to an intense back-and-forth.
- The bid quickly escalated past ₹6.50 crore, with RCB hesitant but eventually pushing ahead.
- The ₹10 crore mark was breached as both teams continued to go all out.
- Unexpectedly, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) joined the fray. RCB bowed out at ₹12.25 crore.
Delhi Capitals stayed calm and bought KL Rahul for ₹14 crore. This shows their intent to rebuild and win the IPL 2025 trophy.
KL Rahul’s IPL Career
Early Struggles and Breakout Season (2013–2016)
KL Rahul made his IPL debut in 2013, but it wasn’t until 2016, during his stint with RCB, that he had a breakout season. Scoring 397 runs in 14 matches, Rahul became a key player as RCB reached the finals that year.
Rise with Punjab Kings (2018–2021)
The turning point in Rahul’s career came in 2018 when he joined Punjab Kings. He became the franchise’s face. He scored consistently and carried the team’s batting lineup. Over four seasons, he was Punjab’s leading run-scorer, cementing his place among IPL’s elite.
Leadership Role with Lucknow Super Giants (2022–2024)
In 2022, Rahul became the captain of the new Lucknow Super Giants, owned by the Sanjiv Goenka Group. Under his leadership, LSG reached the playoffs in their first two seasons. However, the team struggled in 2024, leading to Rahul’s release ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.
Why KL Rahul Is a Key Signing for Delhi Capitals
KL Rahul offers both batting and leadership to the Delhi Capitals. They seek to rebound after a poor IPL 2024 season. Rahul can anchor innings and adapt to match situations. So, he is expected to play a key role in DC’s lineup.
