IPL 2025: "I just want to get respect": Parth Jindal reveals KL Rahul's message as Sanjiv Goenka targeted

Delhi Capitals (DC) co-owner Parth Jindal has revealed his chat with the star batsman KL Rahul after he was acquired by the Delhi-based franchise at the Indian Premier League 2025 mega auction.

The Delhi Capitals (DC) franchise went after both Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer at the auction, but in the end, they had to settle for KL Rahul.

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KL Rahul bought by Delhi Capitals for INR 14 crore

Delhi Capitals (DC) released their skipper, Rishabh Pant, ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, and the star wicketkeeper-batsman revealed that there was no monetary reason behind his exit.

DC entered the auction to get a new skipper and tried hard to rope in their former captain, Shreyas Iyer, but they couldn't as Punjab Kings acquired him for INR 26.75 crore.

Then, Delhi Capitals tried to reacquire Rishabh Pant, but Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) splashed INR 27 crore for the wicketkeeper-batsman, and Delhi Capitals again lost the bidding war.

Their next target was KL Rahul, who headed into auction after a dispute with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). DC managed to get Rahul for INR 14 crore and many felt it was a massive steal deal.

I just want to get the respect and I know Parth from you - KL Rahul told DC co-owner

In an interaction with ESPNCricinfo, Parth Jindal opened up on the acquisition of KL Rahul and revealed the latter's reaction. He said:

"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."

Parth Jindal further said that Rahul told him that he just needs 'love, support and respect' from Delhi Capitals after his Lucknow Super Giants exit. The DC co-owner also revealed that Rahul is desperate to win the IPL trophy with the franchise. He elaborated:

"I know his wife Athiya (Shetty) really well. She's been a close family friend growing up in Mumbai. 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."

He's an incredible, I would say, technically solid batsman - Parth Jindal

While talking about what KL Rahul brings to the table, Parth Jindal said that the batsman provides stability and is quite technically sound. He added that Rahul also guarantees a 450-run season in every edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

"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," Parth Jindal said.

"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."