DC vs LSG: Rift between KL Rahul and Sanjiv Goenka? Report adds a new twist to the saga

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka and skipper KL Rahul have been in the headlines ever since the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 concluded. The match between the teams took place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday (8th May). 

LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka seemed to be unimpressed with the way Lucknow Super Giants played against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The KL Rahul-led side was at the receiving end of a 10-wicket thrashing at the hands of Pat Cummins-led side and it dented their chances to qualify for playoffs. 

After the game on the sidelines of the ground, Sanjiv Goenka was seen having an animated chat with KL Rahul. The franchise owner didn't look in a good mood. He lashed out at the skipper, who looked down and dusted. The video did rounds on the internet and it sparked a lot of debates. 

However, after that, a report in PTI claimed that KL Rahul would be stepping down as the skipper of the team. Apart from that it was also learned that Lucknow Super Giants aren't keen to retain the skipper and he will be entering the IPL 2025 auction. 

A source claims that so far LSG management hasn't taken any decision but they would accept KL Rahul's resignation as the captain 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." 

It was also learned that Nicholas Pooran will be captaining the team for the rest of the tournament for Lucknow Super Giants. The Carribean batter earlier did the job when the keeper-batter was rested due to back issues early on in the tournament. 

Everything is fine between the two - Source on KL Rahul and Sanjiv Goenka 

In the drastic turn of events, a report in IANS suggested something different. A source close to Lucknow Super Giants claimed that all is fine between KL Rahul and Sajiv Goenka and the keeper-batter will continue leading the team for the rest of the tournament. He stated: 

"Everything is fine between the two and only Rahul will be leading the team this season. It’s all rumours that Rahul will be displaced from the captaincy and won’t be picked in the auction. The last match didn’t go our way, but everything is fine now between the team and owners. Rahul is in good space and taking rest before the game against DC." 

The reports added that KL Rahul will be heading to Mumbai to spend some time with his family. He will join the team ahead of the game against Delhi Capitals, which will take place on Tuesday. It will be an important game for the KL Rahul-led side as to stay in the race for playoffs they need to win the game.