The new franchise will pay him INR 17 cr – the same as Virat Kohli at Royal Challengers Bangalore
Talking to Star Sports, Goenka said: “We are confident that these three picks will propel our team, lay the foundation of our team, for not only season 2022 but seasons beyond.
“There were multiple things [we were looking for]. We were looking not only in building a team for 1-2 seasons like we did with Pune, but to lay the foundation for a team that can compete for many many years. We were also looking at players who have more than one facet, not a singular-dimension player.
“KL is not only an outstanding batter but also a great wicketkeeper. Marcus is a great finisher, a good bowler and a phenomenal fielder. Ravi brings a unique dimension to the spin department and is an exceptional fielder. We want players to be here for 3-4-5-6-7-8 years. KL is in the batting department, Marcus is an allrounder, Ravi is a bowler so we tried to cover all three departments.”
Goenka also confirmed that Rahul will captain Lucknow. “Yes KL will be the captain. I have been very impressed with, not only his batting and wicketkeeping, but also his leadership skills. He is evolving, growing, maturing as a leader. He is somebody I would’ve wanted to lead the team and I do believe that given the right atmosphere, environment, he will emerge as a remarkable leader.”
Lucknow will be able to top up the rest of their squad at the mega IPL auction that is set to take place in Bengaluru on February 12 and 13.
Previously, the RPSG group had been associated with the IPL via the Rising Pune Supergiant(s) franchise that, along with Gujarat Lions, was brought in to replace the suspended Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in 2016 and 2017 in the aftermath of the 2013 spot-fixing incidents.
More to follow