Sanjiv Goenka on future of KL Rahul at LSG: Sanjiv Goenka, the Lucknow Super Giants, remained tight-lipped when asked about KL Rahul’s future at the franchise. For now, it’s not certain whether Rahul will remain with LSG for IPL 2025, let alone be their skipper. LSG reportedly have eyes on Nicholas Pooran as their new skipper following the issues in IPL 2024.
On Wednesday, Goenka hosted a press conference where he unveiled former India pacer Zaheer Khan as their new mentor.
In the event, he answered questions regarding Rahul. There have been reports of the LSG captain wanting to leave the franchise, and simultaneously rumors have suggested that LSG wants to retain Rahul but not as a captain.
During the IPL 2024, Goenka had an animated public discussion with Rahul after LSG lost to SRH by 10 wickets. LSG failed to reach the playoffs, getting pipped over by RCB on NRR. Rahul had led LSG to the playoffs in their first two seasons in 2022 and 2023.
There are three months to decide on this: Sanjiv Goenka on future of KL Rahul at LSG
Goenka called Rahul part of his “family” but didn’t confirm whether he will continue with the franchise for IPL 2025.
“He (Rahul) has been there since the inception of Lucknow Super Gants. He’s led us for three years. I have gone on record before, and I have no hesitation in saying this again that he wanted to win. KL is an important part of the Super Giants family. As far as retention is concerned, I don’t know. It’s not something I’m going to discuss now. That has to be confidential. There are three months to decide on this.”
A couple of days before this event, Goenka met Rahul in his Kolkata office to discuss the future. He didn’t disclose the topic and details of that meeting.
“I have been meeting KL on and off regularly over the last three years. Frankly, I am surprised this meeting is getting a lot of attention [in the media]. He is integral [to LSG]. He has been here since the inception. For me personally and for [my son] Shashwat [Goenka, who is also involved in running LSG], he is like family.”
LSG have roped in Zaheer as their mentor, and the former seamer will also oversee local program developments. He will also be involved in scouting and the unearthing of talents.
On Zaheer’s appointment, the LSG owner said,
“For Zaheer, right through his playing career and then in his non-playing career, winning has been a way of life for him. That is what we want, and that is what we hope to get. So when I realized he’s no longer with the Mumbai Indians, I approached him. It is as simple as that.”
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