KL Rahul opens up on decision to leave Punjab Kings at the end of IPL 2021 | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

KL Rahul opens up on decision to leave Punjab Kings at the end of IPL 2021: 'It was a tough call obviously but...'

Mar 21, 2022 10:46 AM IST

Rahul admitted that it was a tough decision but he he wanted to know what else was in store for him.

The retention list released by each of the franchises before the mega auction for the 2022 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) pointed out a major aspect that sometimes it is the players who opt not to be retained. Sunrisers Hyderabad had to let go of David Warner and Rashid Khan and for Punjab Kings, it was their captain KL Rahul. Despite a phenomenal run a batter for the franchise, Rahul opted to part ways with Punjab at the end of IPL 2021 season and on Monday, he revealed why he took the decision.

KL Rahul left Punjab Kings at the end of IPL 2021 season(TWITTER)
KL Rahul left Punjab Kings at the end of IPL 2021 season(TWITTER)

Punjab's retention list left every IPL fan surprised as they picked just two players - Mayank Agarwal and uncapped Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh. Rahul had joined Punjab in 2018 and scored more than 500 runs in each of the four seasons- a records in itself - averaging well over 50 and at a strike rate of over 130. 

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Speaking to Red Bull Cricket, Rahul admitted that it was a tough decision but he he wanted to know what else was in store for him.

ALSO READ: ‘He has achieved so much in international and IPL': Team IND pacer excited to ‘connect’ with veteran at Rajasthan Royals

“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. 

He was later chosen as Lucknow Super Giants' draft pick before the auction and was also named their captain. 

Speaking on Star Sports at the time of the IPL retention list announcement, PBKS head coach Anil Kumble revealed that the franchise did want to retain him but it was the India batter who wanted to leave the team.

He said, "Obviously we wanted to retain him, that is one of the reasons we chose him as captain two years back. But he decided to go into the auction. We respect that, we honour his decision. It's the player's prerogative."

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RR vs DC Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On