IPL Auction 2025: KL Rahul Joins Delhi Capitals for ₹14 Crore

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction witnessed a major headline as KL Rahul, one of the most sought-after players, was sold to Delhi Capitals for a staggering ₹14 crore. The bidding war for the 32-year-old opener drew attention as four franchises vied for his services, showcasing his undeniable value in the T20 format.

Intense Bidding War for KL Rahul

KL Rahul, former captain of the Lucknow Super Giants, was the center of an intense bidding war. Kolkata Knight Riders initiated the bidding at his base price of ₹2 crore, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) joining in soon after. However, RCB bowed out at the ₹10.75 crore mark. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) kept the battle alive but eventually ceded to Delhi Capitals, who emerged victorious with a ₹14 crore bid.

KL Rahul's IPL Journey

Although Rahul's recent IPL season showed a dip in performance, his overall track record in the tournament remains remarkable. With a total of 4683 runs at an impressive strike rate of 134.61, the opener has proven himself as a reliable and explosive batsman. His IPL achievements include:

• Four centuries, with a personal best of 132* in 2020.
• Winning the Orange Cap in 2020 for being the top run-scorer of the season.

These records underline his capability to anchor and accelerate innings, making him a valuable asset for the Delhi Capitals.

International and Domestic Form

Though KL Rahul has fallen out of favor in T20Is for the Indian team, his international T20 record remains noteworthy. He has scored 2265 runs at a strike rate of 139.12, including two centuries. His adaptability and composure in high-pressure matches make him a seasoned campaigner.

Recently, Rahul silenced critics with a match-defining knock in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series. His 77-run innings in Perth played a crucial role in securing India’s victory, where he also forged the first 200-plus opening stand for India in Australia.

A New Chapter with Delhi Capitals

With Delhi Capitals securing KL Rahul, the team will hope to rejuvenate their lineup and aim for their maiden IPL title. Rahul's experience and ability to perform under pressure could make him a key player in their campaign.

As fans gear up for IPL 2025, all eyes will be on KL Rahul to see if he can lead Delhi Capitals to glory and reestablish his dominance in the shortest format of the game.