IPL Auction 2025: 'Wanted freedom' - KL Rahul exposes LSG; targets Sanju Samson’s spot in India T20I team

India National Cricket Team batter KL Rahul expressed his desire to make a comeback to the T20I team. He also spoke about his decision to leave the Lucknow Super Giants, saying that he wanted an atmosphere where he could play his cricket with freedom.

KL Rahul arguably is one of the most talented players that have represented the India National Cricket Team. However, somehow, he hasn't managed to use that talent to its full potential and has been struggling to bat freely, be it any format, Tests, T20Is, or ODIs.

KL Rahul hasn't been able to live up to the expectations

Rahul has been in the headlines for the last few months. The India National Cricket Team batter has been out of the T20Is since the T20 World Cup 2022 but has been a regular member of the team in ODIs and Tests. However, he has been struggling to make the XI with others making an impact.

In the IPL too, Rahul hasn't been able to live up to the expectations. While playing for Lucknow Super Giants, he has been failing to make an impact which he did in his earlier days, and has been often criticized for his strike rate and selfish knocks.

Rahul, however, has now parted ways with the Lucknow Super Giants. Things reportedly were not good between him and the franchise owners, and the batter opted to be in the auction, with the team owner mentioning that they want players who will prioritize the team first rather than their batting.

I wanted to explore my options and I wanted to go and play - KL Rahul

While talking about his decision to leave Lucknow Super Giants, Rahul mentioned that he wants to start fresh and explore more options where he can play freely. He mentioned that he wanted a lighter team atmosphere and wanted to see good for himself. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained:

"I wanted to start fresh, I wanted to explore my options and I wanted to go and play where you know, I could find some freedom and team atmosphere could be you knoe something lighter and sometimes you just need to move away and find something good for yourself."

I aim to obviously get back into the T20 team - KL Rahul

KL Rahul further mentioned that he knows where he stands as a player and admitted that the upcoming IPL season will give him the platform to enjoy his cricket. He made his point clear, saying that he wants to make his comeback into the Indian T20I team. He elaborated:

"You know I've been out of the T20 team for a while and I know where I stand as a player. I know what I need to do to get back. So I look forward to this IPL season to, you know, to give me that platform to go back and enjoy my cricket, and my aim is to obviously get back into the T20 team."

KL Rahul, with the kind of impact he has made in the league, is likely to attract huge bids in the IPL auction. He will be next seen in action when India will take on Australia in the five-match Test series.

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