Star wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is expected to be retained by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, his role within the team is set for a significant change, as reports indicate Rahul will no longer serve as captain. According to IANS, the primary reason for his stepping down is the pressure of captaincy, which has impacted his ability to focus on his batting. Rahul is keen to contribute more with the bat in the upcoming season, without the added responsibility of leading the team.

Despite his retention as a player, LSG's leadership for IPL 2025 remains uncertain. Sources close to the franchise have confirmed that Krunal Pandya and Nicholas Pooran are the two frontrunners for the captaincy role. Both players bring experience and leadership qualities to the table, making them strong contenders for the position.

Captaincy concerns and discussions with team management

On Monday, Rahul held an extensive four-hour meeting with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka at his office in Alipore, Kolkata. The discussion centered around the future of the team and Rahul's decision to step down as captain. Following the meeting, Rahul traveled to Bengaluru to join the National Cricket Academy and begin preparations for the Duleep Trophy, where he will represent Team ‘A’ under the captaincy of Shubman Gill.

Sources suggest that tensions had been building between Rahul and LSG management, with Goenka reportedly unhappy with the team’s performance during IPL 2024. Despite being in a favorable position, LSG failed to qualify for the playoffs, which led to growing concerns about Rahul’s captaincy. Additionally, Rahul’s underwhelming performance after the IPL and his subsequent exclusion from India's ICC Men's T20 World Cup-winning squad further raised questions about his form and leadership.

“The meeting was official with the CEO Sanjiv Goenka on Monday, the captaincy and retention topics were discussed. However, Rahul is unlikely to captain the side in the upcoming edition as he wants to explore himself more as a batter. Goenka has full confidence in Rahul and he will be retained as a player, but will not be seen captaining the side,” sources close to the Lucknow-based franchise told IANS.

“We are still exploring the captaincy option but with BCCI agreeing on player retention conditions we have two players (Krunal Pandya and Nicholas Poran) in race,” he added.

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Looking ahead: Rahul's future with LSG and team India

Although Rahul’s tenure as captain appears to be ending, his focus is now on regaining his form and making a strong comeback. He remains hopeful of earning a spot back in India’s T20 squad. With Krunal Pandya and Nicholas Pooran in the running for LSG’s captaincy, the franchise looks to revamp its strategy for IPL 2025, with Rahul's skills as a key batter still very much part of their plans.