IPL 2022: It was a tough call – KL Rahul reveals reason behind leaving Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings former captain KL Rahul has revealed that it was a tough call to leave the franchise before the mega auction and join hands with Lucknow Super Giants.

Rahul had played the last four seasons for the Mohali-based franchise in the IPL and had done a fine job for the team.

The flamboyant has been a consistent performer in the IPL and he revealed he wanted to do something different in the upcoming season. Rahul has amassed 3273 runs in 94 IPL matches at an impressive average of 47.43 and a strike rate of 138.36. Ergo, the wicket-keeper batter will look to continue the same form for the Lucknow franchise.

Rahul had scored 626 runs in 13 matches for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021 but the franchise failed to qualify for the playoff stages.

Punjab Kings will now be led by Mayank Agarwal whereas KL Rahul will be seen leading the new franchise – Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming season.

Speaking to Red Bull Cricket, he stated: “I have been with them for four years and I’ve had a great run with them. Just wanted to see what’s in store for me and if there’s a new journey for me. It was a tough call obviously. I have been attached to Punjab for a long time. I wanted to see if I can do something else.”

On the other hand, Punjab Kings head coach Anil Kumble revealed they wanted to retain KL Rahul but at the same time, they respect his decision to move to a new franchise.

“Obviously we wanted to retain him, that is one of the reasons we chose him as captain two years back. But he decided to go into the auction. We respect that, we honour his decision. It’s the player’s prerogative.”

Meanwhile, KL Rahul will look to deliver the goods for Lucknow Super Giants both as a captain as well as a batter. Rahul will aim to lead from the front and get the best out of his players.

The Super Giants will begin their campaign against Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

LSG Squad: Batters: Manish Pandey, Manan Vohra, Evin Lewis

Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock

Allrounders: Marcus Stoinis, Jason Holder, Krishnappa Gowtham, Krunal Pandya, Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni, Kyle Mayers, Karan Sharma

Bowlers: Mark Wood, Dushmantha Chameera, Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Shahbaz Nadeem, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav