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Xtra Time Web Desk: KL Rahul, the former captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has addressed his exit from the franchise just before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Rahul, who led the team for three seasons, was not retained by LSG for the upcoming season. In a conversation with Star Sports, he shared insights into his decision, citing the need for a fresh start and a desire to play with greater freedom.

Rahul mentioned that after a disappointing 2024 season, where LSG finished 7th and missed the playoffs for the first time, he felt the need to move on. Despite four teams being tied at 14 points, LSG lagged due to a net run rate (NRR) of -0.667, compared to Royal Challengers Bangalore's +0.459, which secured them a playoff spot.

I look forward to this #IPL Season to get back into Indian T20I side! #IPLAuctionOnStar pic.twitter.com/r3KnrjiTm1

— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) November 11, 2024

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In the retention list, LSG opted to keep key players like Nicholas Pooran (INR 21 crore), Ravi Bishnoi (INR 11 crore), Mayank Yadav (INR 11 crore), Mohsin Khan (INR 4 crore), and Ayush Badoni (INR 4 crore), signaling a shift in their core lineup. Rahul's form as both batter and captain was under scrutiny, leading to speculations about his future with the team.

“I wanted to start fresh, explore my options, and find a place where I could play freely with a lighter team atmosphere,” Rahul explained. He further expressed his goal to leverage the upcoming IPL season as a platform to regain his spot in the Indian T20 team, aiming to enjoy his cricket once more.

As the mega auction approaches on November 24-25, Rahul's decision marks a significant change, and all eyes will be on where the star batter lands next.

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