IPL 2025: "You can't let your personal...": Sanjiv Goenka breaks silence on not using RTM for Marcus Stoinis

Owner of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Sanjiv Goenka revealed why they didn't use RTM for Marcus Stoinis in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. He revealed that the all-rounder was in their plans but the Australia player went beyond their expectations.

Lucknow Super Giants had a great time in the Indian Premier League auction as they managed to build a good squad. The Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise picked some big names in the auction, including Rishabh Pant, for INR 27 crore, which was the highest in the history of the auction.

Marcus Stoinis was acquired by the Punjab Kings for INR 11 crores as Lucknow Super Giants didn't use RTM card

While Lucknow Super Giants got almost every player they wanted, one of the players they didn't get was premier all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. The Australia National Cricket Team player has been the mainstay of the team for the last few years.

Marcus Stoinis amassed 388 runs last season alongside picking up four wickets. The all-rounder was acquired by the Punjab Kings for INR 11 crore. Lucknow Super Giants had the option to retain but they didn't use the RTM for one of their premier players.

We would have used the RTM for him had he been within 10 to 10.25 crores, but he went beyond - Sanjiv Goenka on Marcus Stoinis

Sanjiv Goenka mentioned that Stoinis was in their plans but the all-rounder went past their set benchmark of 10 to 10.25 crores. He also added that they are disappointed to not get an all-rounder in their squad. Speaking to Aakash Chopra, he explained:

"Stoinis was definitely in our plans. We would have used the RTM for him had he been within 10 to 10.25 crores, but he went beyond. Yes, we would have definitely wanted Stoinis with us. We are disappointed that he is not, but this is the dynamic of any auction; now, what to do?"

RCB, PBKS and Chennai Super Kings were involved in a three-pronged bidding war for Marcus Stoinis. But in the end, it was Ricky Ponting's Punjab Kings' who closed the bid on 11 crore and will be having him for the next three years.

He was our second-highest (third-highest) run-getter last season - Sanjiv Goenka

Sanjiv Goenka further heaped rich praise on Marcus Stoinis, saying that the all-rounder was one of their best contributors. But he was quick to admit that they need to make the decisions that are good for the franchise. He elaborated:

"You cannot let your personal likes dictate what is best for the franchise. What is good for the franchise is good for the franchise. Stoinis is very good. He was our second-highest (third-highest) run-getter last season. He was not given that much bowling, but he was probably the most effective bowler after Mayank (Yadav)."

Stoinis would be hoping to make an impact for Punjab Kings now. Under the coaching of Ricky Ponting, he would be aiming to help the team win their first title in the league.

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