Delhi Capitals (DC) co-owner Parth Jindal welcomed their newest acquisition, KL Rahul, with a bold statement, promising to provide the Indian batter with the “love and respect he deserves.” Rahul’s move to DC comes after a tumultuous exit from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where tensions with owner Sanjiv Goenka had sparked controversy.
A Rocky Past with LSG
KL Rahul’s departure from LSG followed a strained relationship with Goenka, highlighted by public criticism and rumors of discontent. During the last IPL season, an outburst from Goenka directed at Rahul was seen as a sign of their fractured partnership. Attempts to reconcile reportedly included a dinner meeting, but the cracks resurfaced. LSG ultimately chose not to retain Rahul, with Goenka making indirect remarks such as, “We need players who think about the team, not personal milestones.”
Jindal’s Message of Support
Parth Jindal’s statement appeared to contrast sharply with Goenka’s approach, as he emphasized his belief in Rahul’s abilities and character. Speaking to RevSportz, Jindal said, “KL is a quality player, and getting him at that price allowed us to strengthen other areas. He thrives with love and respect, and I intend to give him exactly that. I hope he excels in our environment and helps Delhi Capitals win the IPL.”
Rahul: A Coveted Talent
KL Rahul’s reputation as a consistent IPL performer made him one of the most sought-after players in the 2025 auction. Despite stiff competition from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals secured his services for ₹14 crore. Rahul’s impressive IPL record of 4,683 runs underscores his value, and Jindal is optimistic about his impact at DC.
Why DC Targeted KL Rahul
Explaining the decision to sign Rahul, Jindal stated, “KL has consistently delivered in every IPL season. Grounds like the Kotla will suit his batting style, and if there are two venues KL could call home, it’s Chinnaswamy or Kotla. There’s been a lot of talk about his strike rate, but class is permanent.”
DC initially aimed to acquire marquee players Rishabh Pant or Shreyas Iyer. However, after losing both to higher bids, they turned their focus to Rahul. “KL was the next-best Indian batter available, and we were determined to get him. His addition strengthens our lineup significantly,” Jindal added.
Rahul Among Top Buys in IPL 2025
Rahul became the fifth-most expensive Indian player in the 2025 auction, behind record-breaking signings Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore), Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore), Venkatesh Iyer (₹23 crore), and Arshdeep Singh (₹18 crore). DC’s aggressive bidding strategy ultimately paid off, leaving them optimistic about the upcoming season.
With a fresh start at Delhi Capitals, KL Rahul now has the opportunity to showcase his talent in a supportive environment and aim for IPL glory.
