New Delhi: Amid doubts over his future with the franchise, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka broke his silence on KL Rahul and called the current captain an integral member of the team. There are serious doubts over Rahul’s retention and his captaincy after LSG failed to qualify for the playoffs under his leadership in IPL 2024.
Rahul was also on the receiving end of LSG owner Goenka’s ire during IPL 2024 after his side’s crushing 10-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad which caused serious damage to their hopes of finishing in the top 4. A clip of Goenka having an animated chat with Rahul had gone viral after the game, drawing criticism from all corners.
Ever since the incident, there have been rumours that Rahul might not continue with the franchise ahead of IPL 2025. However, speaking at a press conference in Kolkata on Wednesday, August 28, Goenka made it clear that Rahul remains a vital cog in the squad and is part of the LSG family. He rubbished the rumours of the franchise contemplating his release.
His comments came days after Rahul met with him at his office in Kolkata. While the exact details of the conversation are not known, it was reported that the duo discussed Rahul’s future at the franchise and the team’s plans heading into the IPL 2025 mega auction which is scheduled to take place later this year.
“I am surprised this meeting is getting so many attention. As I said earlier, we have not given any thoughts on retention until the BCCI comes up with the rules. All I can say that KL has been an important and integral part of the Super Giants family. He has been there since the inception. He has played a very important role. For me personally, he is like family and will be family,” Goenka said at the press conference, as per Times Now.
Will KL Rahul continue to lead LSG?
While he called Rahul part of the LSG family, Goenka refused to confirm whether or not Rahul will continue as the captain of the franchise in IPL 2025. Rahul was one of the marquee players signed by LSG ahead of their IPL debut in 2022 and was handed over the captaincy. The franchise reached back-to-back playoffs under him in their first two seasons before missing out in IPL 2024.
“Still enough time to decide on retention and captaincy. Everything has to be very well thought out,” said Goenka when asked about Rahul’s captaincy.
In the same pres conference, former India pacer Zaheer Khan was announced as the new mentor of LSG. Zaheer will replace former LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir, who has taken over as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team.
LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka broke his silence on KL Rahul’s future with the franchise and revealed the current skipper remains an integral member of the team. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
