KL Rahul-Sanjiv Goenka's relationship broken? LSG owner reveals post IPL-Auction reality
Published - 12 Dec 2024, 11:04 AM | Updated - 12 Dec 2024, 11:15 AM
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The IPL 2024 season witnessed a controversial moment when Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka and then-captain KL Rahul were caught in an animated exchange after a crushing defeat against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Hyderabad.
The intense moment between KL Rahul and Sanjiv Goenka became a hot topic, sparking debates about team dynamics among the fans and cricket experts. Even Rahul later admitted that the heated conversation with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner left its mark on the team.
Sanjiv Goenka speaks on controversial chat with KL Rahul
Interestingly, the dramatic fallout led to a major shake-up in the plans of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the future. Despite KL Rahul's three-year tenure as captain, LSG chose not to retain the Indian batter for IPL 2025, and Delhi Capitals snapped him up in the mega auction.
In contrast, Sanjiv Goenka has now offered a different perspective on his approach. The LSG owner emphasized that tough conversations are part of maintaining a high-performing environment and pushing the team forward.
Surprisingly, Goenka called Rahul his family and a very honest and talented player, expressing heartfelt wishes for the former LSG skipper’s success. The LSG owner also revealed that he has always been in contact with KL Rahul and even they had dinner after the IPL 2024, claiming that there is still respect and love between them.
KL Rahul has always been family to me and will remain: Lucknow Super Giants owner
Sanjiv Goenka said on Ranveer Ka Unfiltered Podcast: “KL has always been family for me and will always be family. He was the captain of Lucknow for three years and also gave a good performance. So, I will always pray for him from the bottom of my heart. No matter what happens. He is a very honest person. I really wish that everything goes well with him because he is a very nice person. And yes, he is very talented; he has so much talent. I pray to God that all his talent comes out.”
Speaking about the narrative that he is a very intense human being, the LSG owner noted, “There are moments when you have sentiments. And there is an expression to that sentiment. But that doesn't impact the relationship or should not impact the relationship. So, the frequency of interaction is different. When he is on the other team, the interaction gets a little guarded. But there is respect and love as well.”
Sanjiv Goenka opens up about his intense leadership style
Reflecting on his leadership style, Goenka defended the importance of facing tough realities to drive improvement. He stressed that intense discussions, even when uncomfortable, are crucial for the growth of any successful team. The LSG owner added that it is necessary to have perspective.
Goenka signed off by saying, “For every successful enterprise, whether it's sports or otherwise if you don't face reality, how will you improve? You may agree to disagree. But if you have a perspective, then you should have no doubt about it. The captain, the coach will say, we don't agree with your perspective. That is absolutely fine. That is their prerogative and their call. But if you have a perspective, you must place it.”
