IPL 2022: “It was a tough call obviously,” KL Rahul opens up on decision to leave Punjab Kings

IPL 2022: “It was a tough call obviously,” KL Rahul opens up on decision to leave Punjab Kings

KL Rahul

On Monday, March 21, while speaking to Red Bull Cricket, KL Rahul opened up about his decision to part ways with the Punjab Kings

The 29-year-old had joined the Punjab Kings in 2018 and had scored more than 500 runs in the four seasons at a strike rate of over 130. Punjab’s retention, ahead of the mega-auction, left everyone surprised because only two players were retained, Mayank Agarwal and uncapped Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh. Notwithstanding being the captain and an impressive batter for the franchise, Rahul chose to leave them.

“I have been with them for four years and I’ve had a great run with them. Just wanted to see what’s in store for me and if there’s a new journey for me. It was a tough call obviously. I have been attached to Punjab for a long time. I wanted to see if I can do something else,” he said.

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“We respect that, we honor his decision”: Anil Kumble on KL Rahul

KL Rahul
KL Rahul

Anil Kumble, who is the head coach of Punjab Kings, had spoken to Star Sports at the time of IPL retention list that the franchise indeed wanted to retain Rahul, but the latter had already decided to leave them.

“Obviously we wanted to retain him, that is one of the reasons we chose him as captain for two years back. But he decided to go into the auction. We respect that, we honor his decision, It’s the player’s prerogative.”

In the auction the new entrant Lucknow Super Giants signed him for a massive amount of Rs 17 crores, and even made him their captain. Rahul has played 94 IPL matches and amassed 3273 runs so far. In the 2020 edition, the ex RCB player became the top-scorer of the tournament with 670 runs in 14 matches.

The franchise will start their campaign against another debutant team Gujarat Titans on March 28. IPL will start from March 26 with the game between CSK and KKR at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

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