New Delhi: Team India star KL Rahul sent a message to Delhi Capitals (DC) co-owner Parth Jindal after his move to the franchise at the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. After letting go of Rishabh Pant, Delhi Capitals splurged Rs 14 crore to buy Rahul, making him their most expensive signing at the mega auction.
Rahul was released by the Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction amid concerns over his strike rate and overall leadership. Rahul was also on the receiving end of a public outburst from LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka after his team’s defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad during IPL 2024. Rahul led LSG for three seasons from 2022 to 2024 before getting released this year.
Speaking about signing the 32-year-old at the IPL 2025 mega auction, DC co-owner Jindal revealed Rahul is excited to be part of the Delhi Capitals setup and is looking forward to playing for the franchise in IPL 2025. Jindal also revealed that he has known Rahul for a while now and that the cricketer’s wife and actress Athiya Shetty has been a family friend.
“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. I know his wife Athiya (Shetty) really well. She’s been a close family friend growing up in Mumbai,” Jindal told ESPN Cricinfo.
Jindal further revealed Rahul told him that he just wants love and support from the franchise and the respect that he deserves. The star India batter also told the DC co-owner that he is eager to win his maiden IPL title as he is yet to win the elusive trophy.
“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,” Jindal revealed.
KL Rahul or Axar Patel: Who will lead DC in IPL 2025?
Rahul has replaced Pant at Delhi Capitals and is a strong contender to lead the franchise considering his consistent performances over the years and leadership experience. However, Delhi Capitals also have India all-rounder Axar Patel in their ranks and he has been part of the franchise since 2019. Axar is also a strong contender to lead the team next season.
Jindal insisted it would be ‘premature’ to talk about captaincy at the moment and said a decision would be taken after consulting the coaching staff and co-owner Kiran Gandhi of the GMR Group.
Team India star KL Rahul was acquired by Delhi Capitals at the IPL 2025 mega auction. DC co-owner revealed the message he recieved from Rahul after his move to the franchise. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
