Amit Mishra clears air on Sanjiv Goenka's strict image, says KL Rahul was....

Published - 28 Apr 2025, 06:18 PM

Amit Mishra, KL Rahul and Sanjiv Goenka {PC:X}

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There has been a lot of buzz among cricket fans about Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka's strict approach, with many believing he’s all about demanding results. The LSG owner’s recent interactions with the captain, Rishabh Pant, sparked fresh rumors about his approach.

Actually, all the drama about Sanjiv Goenka’s behavior began last year when he was seen having a heated conversation with then-captain KL Rahul after Lucknow Super Giants’ heavy loss to SunRisers Hyderabad. It eventually led KL Rahul to leave the franchise and join the Delhi Capitals.

However, former LSG spinner Amit Mishra made some shocking revelations about Sanjiv Goenka. The former Indian spinner revealed that the LSG owner is actually a very friendly and approachable person, and all he just wants is his team’s success in the IPL.

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Amit Mishra denies Sanjiv Goenka's 'heated' conversation with KL Rahul

Mishra revealed that Goenka is passionate about his LSG team, but it was KL Rahul who was fully responsible for making all the decisions, including the playing XI last season, and there was very little involvement of the head coach, Justin Langer.

These revelations put Rahul under the scanner as all the criticism Goenka was facing for his outburst on the then LSG skipper, and people were not aware of the inside story. But in the ongoing season, things are completely different, as the LSG mentor Zaheer Khan and head coach Justin Langer have a lot more involvement, as much as the skipper Rishabh Pant has.

Amit Mishra was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz, “I spoke to the coach last season, and he told me that KL Rahul is doing all the work. He is making the 11s, making all the changes, and planning. But this year, I don't feel like that. This year, when Zaheer Khan has come, I feel like he is talking to everyone. If you see, there is a discussion going on; they are talking to each other.”

He is very involved as the owner: Amit Mishra

Mishra further added, “I saw the coach, Justin Langer, on the pitch before the match against Mumbai Indians. He was speaking to Digvesh Rathi. So, I feel that the discussion is going well overall. I don't feel he is very involved if you talk about the owner. Yes, he definitely wants to win. But he always stays positive when coming to the dressing room.”

Speaking about the controversial conversation between KL Rahul and Sanjiv Goenka after LSG’s heavy defeat to SRH last year, Mishra clarified that the owner’s main concern was for the team to show more fight and determination, not about criticizing or scolding the skipper or the team.

The former spinner said that the media made sensational stories of the normal conversation, as there was no tension in the discussion. Mishra pointed out that the Lucknow team had suffered two massive losses, one in Kolkata, where they were beaten in just 11 overs, and another in Hyderabad, where they lost in 9 overs.

Media has shown off a little too much: Amit Mishra

Mishra mentioned that any owner would expect a display of fight, even if the team loses. He also claimed that Goenka always motivates his players while keeping his tone calm and positive, rather than criticizing them harshly or showing his anger after the losses.

He signed off by saying, “I feel that the media has shown off a little too much. I didn't feel that there was anything like that. He was like, ‘Fight and lose; I have no problem.’ This is what happened. He never said anything wrong or said anything in a very high tone.”

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Lucknow Super Giants KL Rahul Sanjiv Goenka IPL Amit Mishra