KL Rahul, one of India’s most prolific batters and a marquee player for the IPL 2025 mega auction, was “bought” by Delhi Capitals for a staggering Rs 18 crore in Ravichandran Ashwin’s mock auction. The event, designed to mimic the excitement of the official auction, saw franchises go all out to acquire the seasoned opener.
Bidding war for KL Rahul
Ashwin’s mock auction allowed direct bids of Rs 5 crore and Rs 10 crore increments. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rahul’s former team, initiated the bidding at Rs 10 crore but opted out early. Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals continued the fierce bidding war. While KKR was willing to go up to Rs 17.5 crore, Delhi Capitals ultimately sealed the deal at Rs 18 crore.
Why KL Rahul is worth Rs 18 crore
Critics often question Rahul’s intent in T20s, but his credentials remain unmatched. The Karnataka batter boasts:
- Over 4500 IPL runs, including four centuries.
- Captaincy experience with two franchises—Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants.
- A dual role as a wicketkeeper and opener.
Rahul has pledged to adopt a more aggressive approach in future matches, making him a valuable asset for any franchise.
Rahul’s IPL journey so far
| Team | Span | Inns | Runs | Avg | SR | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucknow Super Giants | 2022-2024 | 38 | 1410 | 41.47 | 130.62 | 2 | 10 |
| Punjab Kings | 2018-2021 | 55 | 2548 | 56.62 | 139.76 | 2 | 23 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2013, 2016 | 14 | 417 | 37.90 | 145.29 | 0 | 4 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2014-2015 | 16 | 308 | 23.69 | 106.20 | 0 | 0 |
Looking ahead
As Delhi Capitals prepares for IPL 2025, Rahul’s addition strengthens their lineup both as an explosive opener and a potential captain. Fans eagerly await his performance under the new banner, as he seeks to reclaim his spot as one of the league’s most consistent performers.