KL Rahul emerged as one of the most notable signings of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction in Jeddah. After being released by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rahul was acquired by Delhi Capitals (DC) for Rs 14 crore at the mega auction. Delhi, who are one of the few teams to still get their hands on an IPL trophy, have revamped their side and came out of the IPL 2025 mega auction as one of the smartest buyers.
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal, while talking to ESPNcricinfo, shared that KL Rahul is excited to join Delhi Capitals, expressing his desire for "love" and "support" from the new franchise. After parting ways with LSG following a three-year stint as captain, Rahul expressed hope to win the IPL with Delhi.
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“He's very happy, very excited to be part of Delhi. He knows me for a long time. He's a Bangalore (Bengaluru) boy. I own Bengaluru FC (in the Indian Super League), so he's watched a few games with me. I know his wife Athiya (Shetty) really well. She's been a close family friend growing up in Mumbai,” Jindal said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“So he (Rahul) was like, ‘I just want to play cricket. I just want to get the love and support from the franchise. I just want to get the respect and I know Parth from you, I will get that and just can't be more excited to play for a friend and let's make Delhi win. I have never won (IPL). Delhi has never won. Let's do it together.’"
'Technically Solid Batsman': Jindal On KL Rahul
Jindal praised Rahul for his stability, technical skill and flexibility, noting that he can bat anywhere in the top four. Jindal also highlighted Rahul’s consistency as a batter. Notably, Rahul has scored over 500 runs in six of his last seven IPL seasons.
“Stability, number one. He's an incredible, I would say, technically solid batsman. He will thrive at the Kotla, given the size of the ground. He also gives us flexibility: he can bat anywhere in the top four, and that's a very rare skill for someone to have. He's also great senior player to have in the dressing room, a great mind of the game as well. And he's just a great brand ambassador. He's super polite, he's gentle, he's aggressive when he needs to be. And the most obvious thing he gives you is 450 runs (in a season) guaranteed, which is something he's done his whole (IPL) career. So that kind of consistency is rare to find.”
Speaking on Rishabh Pant’s departure from the team, Jindal expressed sadness, mentioning Pant is like his ‘own brother.’ Pant spent nine seasons at DC, leading the franchise in three of them. He was signed by LSG for a record Rs 27 crore, becoming the most expensive player in IPL history.
“Oh, devastating. Completely devastating. I love the boy like my own brother. He took a call at the end of the day. We tried our best. He took the decision, and we have to respect it.”