DC vs LSG: KL Rahul to take huge step before being kicked out of LSG following Sanjiv Goenka episode

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper KL Rahul has become the talk of the town after his conversation with owner Sanjiv Goenka went viral on the internet. This came after the team suffered a thrashing 10-wicket loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday (8th May). 

After the match was over, Sanjiv Goenka didn't go easy on skipper KL Rahul. The owner of the franchise looked in a furious mood and was giving a drubbing to the Lucknow Super Giants captain. The video went viral all over the internet and many lashed out at Goenka for the way he treated the India cricketer. 

Amid all the saga, a report in PTI has sparked a new controversy. It is learned that KL Rahul's future as captain is under the scanner. The opening batter might step down as the captain of the team ahead of the Lucknow Super Giants' last two games in the tournament. 

The reports also claimed that Lucknow Super Giants isn't keen to retain KL Rahul ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. The skipper was roped in before the auction in 2022 for a record Rs 17 crore. The franchise will be letting him go and the batter mostly likely will be part of the mega-auction. 

A source claims that so far LSG management hasn't taken any decision but they will welcome the decision if KL Rahul steps down as the leader of the team. Speaking to PTI, he stated: 

"There is a five-day gap before the next game against DC. As of now, no decision has been taken but it is understood that if Rahul plans to just concentrate on his batting for the remaining two games, the management won't mind." 

If KL Rahul decides to leave the leadership then it is likely that Nicholas Pooran will captain the team. He has been the vice-captain of the team and also led the team early on when the regular skipper was rested due to injury. 

KL Rahul has been in decent touch in the ongoing IPL 2024. He has mustered 460 runs in 12 games at a strike rate of 136.09. He has been criticized a lot for his poor strike rate and also missed out on the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024. It remains to be seen what will be his future with the Lucknow Super Giants. 

Lucknow Super Giants still in contention for the playoffs 

Even after the loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants are still in contention. They are currently placed 6th on the points table with 6 wins and 6 losses under their belt with an NRR of -0.769. 

To make it into the playoffs, Lucknow Super Giants have to win their next two games of the IPL 2024 as it will take them to 16 points. They also would want Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings want both the teams to lose one of their remaining games. They will next take on Delhi Capitals on Tuesday (14th May).