The biggest burden for KL Rahul will not be the price tag but pressure to perform, says Gautam Gambhir

Lucknow mentor Gautam Gambhir has said that the biggest burden for the skipper KL Rahul will not be the price tag but pressure to perform. Rahul was signed by the franchise for 17 crores, equaling Virat Kohli’s record, who was signed by Bangalore in 2018.

The right-hander captained the Punjab in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. However, the keeper-batter and the franchise parted ways for the next season.

Meanwhile, Gambhir said that it is the job of support staff to make their skipper feel free.

“It is for the support staff to make him feel free. The biggest burden will not be the price tag but the pressure to perform,” Gambhir told NDTV.

“We want players who are honest, want to play for the franchise and who do not think of playing for India in those two months. Playing for India is a by-product. We want performances for Lucknow.”

Team owner Sanjiv Goenka also said that appointing KL Rahul as skipper of the team was no brainer as he was impressed by Rahul’s cool approach and unflappable temperament. Goenka added that Gambhir suggested him go with an uncapped player in the team. Lucknow also signed Ravi Bishnoi and Marcus Stoinis.

“Appointing KL as captain was no brainer. We approached him and there was meeting of minds. I am very impressed with his cool approach and unflappable temperament. He is not very expressive and that’s also the way I am,” Goenka said.

“Gautam suggested we go in with an uncapped player. Bishnoi is a wicket-taker and an outstanding fielder. The combination is very good,” he added.