Two Indian wicketkeeper-batters are likely to enter the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, which is set to take place later this year. As per the latest news reports, KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel won’t be retained by the irrespective teams for the Indian Premier League 2025 season.
Under the auction rules, each franchise can retain up to six players, including the Right to Match (RTM) option. Teams can retain a maximum of five capped players (both Indian and overseas) and a maximum of two uncapped players. There is speculation that Rahul and Jurel will enter the auction pool.
KL Rahul Wants To Enter The IPL 2025 Mega Auction – Report
According to a report by IANS, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) may not retain KL Rahul for the upcoming season. The wicketkeeper-batter could consider participating in the auction after the outcomes of various discussions.
“There has been a strong word going around that Rahul really wants to enter the mega auction, as LSG may not retain him. Based on the outcomes from various discussions in terms of who will be retained or what price the retentions would be, one shouldn’t be surprised if Rahul enter the auction list,” said sources to this news agency.
KL Rahul Only Batter To Score Over 1,000 Runs For LSG
KL Rahul has scored 1,410 runs in 38 matches for the Lucknow Super Giants since joining them ahead of IPL 2022. During the IPL 2024 season, he scored 520 runs in 14 innings at a decent average of 37.14 and a strike rate of 136.12. However, the team didn’t advance to the playoffs, finishing in seventh place.
The Karnataka-born cricketer has played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Before the IPL 2022 auction, the Super Giants secured him as a draft pick for Rs 17 crore along with Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and spinner Ravi Bishnoi.
Dhruv Jurel To Enter IPL 2025 Mega Auction?
The report also added that Dhruv Jurel will enter the mega auction after declining to be retained by the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Jurel made his IPL debut in 2023 and has gained a reputation for his finishing abilities. The young batter has scored 347 runs in 22 innings with an impressive strike rate of 151.53.
The Rajasthan Royals are interested in retaining Jurel, but he may have turned down their offer. A senior official from the franchise was seen in Bengaluru, where the Indian team is currently playing. Reports also confirm that the franchise is still in discussions with Jurel regarding his future with the team.
“IANS also understands that an unnamed senior Rajasthan Royals official was spotted in Bengaluru, where the Indian team is currently playing their Test series opener against New Zealand, suggesting that the franchise is still in talks with Jurel to retain him.”
In past IPL auctions, wicketkeeper-batters like Ishan Kishan, Kumar Kushagra, and Robin Minz have secured substantial contracts. If KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel participate in the upcoming mega auction, they are expected to attract even higher bids.
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