KL Rahul Dropped by LSG with concerns over lack of performance, Strike Rate and Leadership Concerns

KL Rahul’s underwhelming strike rate and struggles with adaptability in T20 cricket have led to his exclusion from Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) retained players list

KL Rahul’s underwhelming strike rate and struggles with adaptability in T20 cricket have led to his exclusion from Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) retained players list. LSG, guided by head coach Justin Langer and mentor Zaheer Khan, has instead prioritized the aggressive Nicholas Pooran as their critical finisher, aligning with the franchise’s dynamic batting approach. Rahul’s retention has been uncertain since August when PTIrst reported that rate might cost him his captaincy. Now, LSG has chosen to retain Pooran, along with rising stars Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, and uncapped Ayush Badoni, signaling a shift towards high-impact players for the upcoming IPL season. According to an insider from LSG, “Performance in the last three years was a critical factor, especially Rahul’s batting style and strike rate.” Rahul’s strike rate over three seasons—136.13, 113.23, and 135.38—has not kept pace with the increasingly aggressive T20 style.

Meanwhile, Pooran has demonstrated a back-end strength with strike rates of 144.34, 172.95, and an impressive 178.21, especially valuable in the middle order. LSG has also invested in the pace powerhouse Mayank Yadav, whom they consider “a homegrown talent.” With Yadav’s speed exceeding 150 km/h, the team sees him as a long-term asset despite recent injuries. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals is still deliberating on Rishabh Pant’s retention. His future with the franchise depends on how the new management, led by Venugopal Rao and Hemang Badani, chooses to engage him. The absence of his core team—Ricky Ponting, Sourav Ganguly, and Praveen Amre—has further complicated the decision. An IPL insider hinted at Pant’s potential in the auction, suggesting an intense bidding war if he’s released, with bids possibly surpassing the 25-crore mark. The uncertainty surrounding Pant reflects how teams prioritize adaptability and aggressive gameplay as they prepare for the upcoming IPL auctions.