Reports: KL Rahul likely to part ways with Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2022

In what can be called a shocking development, KL Rahul is all set to part ways with Punjab Kings ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. The right-handed batter has been a prolific performer for the Punjab-based franchise ever since joining them in 2018. Although Rahul failed to take PBKS to the title in this period, he has performed magnificently with the bat.

He scored over 600 runs in three of the four seasons he played for PBKS. The only time he didn’t cross the mark was in 2019. He accumulated 593 runs in that season. Seeing his consistency with the bat, the franchise handed the leadership responsibility to Rahul ahead of the 2020 season. With the Karnataka-born batter emerging as a T20 stalwart, any team wouldn’t let go of him.

KL Rahul has been approached by other franchises

However, as per a report in Cricbuzz, Rahul may not feature for the Punjab Kings next year and is likely to be up for grabs in the mega auction. It was also learnt that the dasher has been approached by multiple franchises that have shown interest in getting him. In case, Rahul and PBKS part ways, the 29-year-old is set to fetch big bucks in the bidding event.

As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) haven’t announced the retention policy yet, franchises aren’t certain about the number of retentions and Right To Match (RTM) cards available.

For the unversed, a franchise can access the RTM cards for its current players. Hence, the discussions of Rahul parting with the Kings are taking place behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Rahul has entered the Indian bubble for the T20 World Cup with PBKS being knocked out in the group stage of IPL 2021. As per reports, the mega auction for IPL 2022 will take place during the T20 World Cup.

Hence, it soon will be known whether Rahul gets a new team or not. Moreover, two new teams are set to come in the picture. With the 29-year-old being a proven star of this format, the two new franchises won’t mind him singing as captain. Notably, a good campaign in the T20 World Cup could see a rise in Rahul’s demand.