Following the retention announcement, Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka had stated that the franchise retained players who they believed would put the team ahead of personal ambition.
KL Prior to the massive auction, Rahul’s split from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was one of the main topics of discussion around the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 2025 retention phase. After three years, Rahul and LSG split up, with the batter stating that he wished to return to the auction pool. LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka had said after the retention announcement that the team kept players they thought would prioritize the team over individual goals.
above the IPL 2025 auction, LSG revealed its roster of retained players. “It was a simple mindset to go in for players, who have a mindset to win, who put the team before their personal goals and aspirations,” Sanjiv Goenka remarked.
Rahul reacted to these remarks on Tuesday. When asked if Goenka’s remarks influenced Rahul’s decision to split up, the batter stated that he had already made the decision.
Although I’m unsure about the remarks, we have to make them after the retentions occurred.” The pressure is already really great in the IPL, so I just felt like I wanted to start again, explore my choices, and go somewhere where I can find some flexibility and a lighter, more balanced team dynamic,” Rahul stated in an interview with Star Sports.
During LSG’s first three IPL seasons, Rahul served as captain. He scored 616 runs in 2022, but injuries overshadowed his 2023 campaign, causing that total to drop sharply. Critics heavily criticized Rahul’s defensive style throughout his three years with the team, as his strike rate remained below 135 during that time.
Rahul went on in the interview to discuss the importance of preserving a franchise’s cohesive culture and team environment.
“I wanted to play in a lighter, team-oriented environment. As a player, I find it crucial that dressing rooms like that of the Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings appear composed and balanced, even when they lose,” Rahul remarked.
“That was fantastic when we attempted it at LSG with Andy Flower and Gautam Gambhir first, and subsequently with Justin Langer. Rahul remarked, “But sometimes you have to walk out and discover something for yourself.
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