KL Rahul has officially joined newcomers Lucknow for the new Indian Premier League season, it was revealed on Friday.

KL Rahul has officially joined newcomers Lucknow for the new Indian Premier League season, it was revealed on Friday.

The move was widely expected and has reportedly seen Lucknow spend INR 17 crore (£1.68million) to acquire the India batsman.

Lucknow, who have yet to reveal their full name ahead of the 2022 season, have also signed up Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Rahul arrives after leaving Punjab Kings, the team he previously captained in the competition. He scored 626 IPL runs last season at an average of 62.6, including six half-centuries, with only Ruturaj Gaikwad (635) and Faf du Plessis (633) more prolific with the bat.

Rahul blasted the most sixes (30), including eight in one innings of 98 against Chennai Super Kings in October.

Lucknow team owner Sanjiv Goenka said: "KL is not only an outstanding batsman but also a great wicketkeeper.

"Marcus is a great finisher, a good bowler and a phenomenal fielder."

Stoinis has previously been a key figure for Delhi Capitals and Lucknow have spent INR 9.2 crore (£910,000) on the Perth man, according to the Times of India.

Young spinner Ravi Bishnoi has also been signed up after leaving Punjab Kings, as Lucknow's third draft pick.

According to Cricinfo, Goenka told Star Sports: "We want players to be here for three, four, five, six, seven, eight years.

"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."

Former England boss Andy Flower was appointed head coach of Lucknow in December.

Fellow IPL newcomers Team Ahmedabad have picked Hardik Pandya, who will be their captain, alongside Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill in their draft picks.

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