'Not knowing which team you will end up with is never easy': KL Rahul on IPL auction

NEW DELHI: KL Rahul is set to begin a fresh stint with Delhi Capitals in the upcoming 18th Indian Premier League (IPL) commencing March 22, following his previous associations with other IPL teams.
After being released by Lucknow Super Giants post the 2024 season, Rahul was acquired by DC for Rs 14 crore at the previous mega auction, a process he found quite nerve-racking due to the uncertainty involved.
"The auction was a nerve-wracking experience. As a player, not knowing which team you will end up with is never easy. Over the years, I've seen how unpredictable auctions can be—there's no fixed pattern to how things unfold. Having been a captain for the last three seasons, I have been actively involved in the process of building a team," said Rahul in an interaction with JioHotstar.

"I understand the kind of pressure franchises face when assembling a squad. But from a player's perspective, it's even tougher because your career is at stake. The auction can shape a player's future or present unexpected challenges. I was definitely nervous, even a little anxious. But at the same time, I knew this was the right step for my career. There was excitement too, though it didn't last very long because reality sets in quickly."
"I'm really happy to be joining Delhi Capitals. Parth Jindal, the team's owner, is a close friend, and we have spent a lot of time outside of cricket discussing various things. I know how passionate he is about the sport, and I'm thrilled to be a part of this team. We have a strong squad, and I'm looking forward to the season ahead," he said.
Regarding DC's potential team composition for IPL 2025, Rahul expressed both enthusiasm and slight apprehension about joining his fourth or fifth IPL franchise.
He acknowledged the well-balanced nature of the squad, highlighting the presence of experienced players like Mitchell Starc, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, alongside promising young talent.
Speaking about his batting position preferences, Rahul emphasised his extensive experience as a top-order batsman since his early cricket days in Mangalore. However, he acknowledged the importance of adaptability in team sports and expressed willingness to adjust according to team requirements.
Concluding his thoughts, Rahul reflected on his successful international cricket career, including his recent Champions Trophy victory with India. He expressed gratitude for living his childhood dream of representing India and spoke optimistically about his future aspirations to continue developing as a player and securing more victories for his team.