Indian star KL Rahul was once approached by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to take over as their captain and wicketkeeper-batsman in the Indian Premier League (IPL), before he joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Chennai Super Kings had made a direct offer to Rahul right after MS Dhoni stepped down from the leadership role ahead of the IPL 2022 season.
The franchise saw the right-handed batsman as the ideal successor to Dhoni, aiming to secure a calm and collected leader who could carry on CSK’s winning legacy, and his wicket-keeping would be a bonus for them.
How KL Rahul’s refusal changed Chennai Super Kings’ leadership plans?
However, Rahul reportedly turned down the high-profile offer made by the five-time IPL champions despite the big opportunity. His decision surprised the franchise and Dhoni, who might have recommended Rahul as CSK had already made plans regarding his potential leadership.
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Following Rahul’s refusal, Chennai Super Kings appointed Ravindra Jadeja as captain, but the move backfired as the Indian all-rounder struggled with form and the pressure of captaincy, forcing Dhoni to take charge again mid-season in IPL 2022.
Rahul, on the other hand, has led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) with remarkable success and led the franchise to the playoffs in consecutive seasons. However, after the infamous dispute with LSG owner, Sanjiv Goenka, the Indian batsman left the team and joined Delhi Capitals solely as a batsman.
When KL Rahul was offered the captaincy of CSK!!
According to the report of RevSportz, ‘KL Rahul had received a direct offer from Chennai Super Kings to join the team as wicketkeeper-batsman and captain. CSK had made this offer to Rahul before appointing Ravindra Jadeja as the captain for IPL 2022.
Even before Lucknow Super Giants’ IPL debut, CSK directly contacted Rahul and offered him the captaincy, but he refused and joined the new franchise.
Well, the reason for Rahul’s refusal to join CSK remains a mystery, as he shares a good relationship with Dhoni as they share the Indian dressing room. He has always expressed his admiration towards Dhoni, calling him his guru. Rahul is also a fan of the leadership style of this legendary cricketer.
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KL Rahul’s inspiring IPL journey
Meanwhile, KL Rahul’s IPL journey has been a story of remarkable adaptability, unmatched consistency and determination. Over the years, the stylish wicketkeeper-batsman has proved that no matter the team, role or management, he finds a way to shine.
Having represented five different franchises since his debut in 2013, Rahul has mastered the art of succeeding in any circumstances. Well, it was his incredible consistency that impressed everyone and he crossed the 500-run mark in seven IPL seasons.
Rahul is the only cricketer to score centuries for three different IPL teams. In 2024, he reached another historic feat, becoming the fastest player in IPL history to complete 5,000 runs, but Rahul’s journey was not without heartache.
KL Rahul talks about his worst IPL season
His 2023 campaign turned into a nightmare after he suffered a serious thigh injury during the clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore. A ruptured tendon required surgery, cutting his season short, and it was the worst season of his career, as reported by the cricketer himself.
“It (worst IPL season) was only one year. In 2022…oh yes, it was 2023 (after correcting himself)…a bad, bad year,” Rahul said on the “2 Sluggers” podcast.