Former Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul has surprisingly been released ahead of the IPL Mega Auction 2022. Rahul was the backbone of the Punjab Kings team since 2018, but the team management has decided against retaining him. According to reports, it was Rahul’s decision to leave. However, the Punjab Kings team could have tried to convince him. It seems all their attempts have failed.
Punjab Kings retained a total of two players before IPL Mega Auction 2022. Their first choice was KL Rahul’s opening partner Mayank Agarwal. The second retention was uncapped Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh. The likes of Mohammed Shami, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi and Shahrukh Khan have returned to the auction pool.
KL Rahul won the IPL 2020 Orange Cap while playing for the Punjab Kings team. In 2021 also, he was one of the highest run-scorers. However, the Punjab Kings could not qualify for the playoffs in any of the two seasons. The middle-order of the team was not so consistent. Also, the team selection was questionable at times. According to reports, KL Rahul is now ready to move to the Lucknow franchise.
KL Rahul posts an emotional Instagram caption after the Punjab Kings release him
Punjab Kings bought KL Rahul at IPL Mega Auction 2018, and since then, he had been an integral part of the Mohali-based franchise. After the Kings officially released him, Rahul posted a photo of himself wearing the PBKS jersey and returning to the dressing room with the following caption:
“It was a good ride, thank you for the love. see u on the other side,” KL Rahul wrote on Instagram.
It was a good ride, thank you for the love ❤️ see you on the other side 🙌🏻 @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/fFKtlOqghR
— K L Rahul (@klrahul11) December 1, 2021Advertisement
Rahul will reportedly join the Lucknow franchise and likely captain the team in the upcoming IPL season.
