Reports: KL Rahul all set to leave Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2022

KL Rahul has been one of the best players in the Punjab Kings franchise history, perhaps makes a fantastic case to be the very best. His unreal run of form ever since joining the club in 2018 saw him score 2,548 runs at an average well above 50, but if reports from Cricbuzz are to be believed, he might not add any more runs to that tally in the red-and-gold of Punjab.

“Rahul, now in the Indian bubble for the T20 World Cup, could not be reached for a comment while a Punjab Kings official has categorically denied having deliberations on the topic,” reported Cricbuzz, who have learnt that Punjab Kings will not retain the 29-year-old.

Rahul, who was the Orange Cap winner last season with a staggering 670-run tally, was under severe scrutiny for his approach. Cricket analysts, pundits, and fans, believed he was being too passive with his strokeplay and it wasn’t necessary for him to play an anchor role when there were so many other cricketers around him, well capable of doing the same.

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The same criticism resurfaced on multiple occasions this season, but his statement after Punjab’s final game against Chennai raised plenty of questions. He mentioned that this wasn’t his preferred approach, but he had to do it for the team. He slyly hinted that he wasn’t happy with his role in the team, and ever-since, the rumors of him leaving Punjab have been omnipresent.

KL Rahul to induce bidding war in the mega auction?

KL Rahul amassed 626 runs in IPL 2021 | Image Courtesy: iplt20.com

If the Punjab Kings captain makes his way to the auction and is under the hammer, without a shadow of a doubt, IPL auction records will be in danger. Rahul isn’t just a sensational cricketer for his franchise but is also rated one of the best in world cricket right now. His consistency in producing such significant numbers every season is only bettered by David Warner in this tournament.

There are plenty of teams in the IPL who would be in desperate need for an Indian top-order batter of his caliber. Perhaps all the teams in the IPL might want to try their luck to get hold of his services.