 "KL Rahul and Sanjiv Goenka's conversation in public has not gone down well with fans and experts. Image: Screenshot")
Since the visuals of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka rebuking captain KL Rahul went viral, there have been contrasting reports speculating the future of the Indian cricketer at the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise. Goenka was seen having a conversation with Rahul after LSG lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 10 wickets on Wednesday to drop to the sixth spot in the IPL 2024 points table. It was their second consecutive loss and has dented their playoff chances .
While the audio wasn’t available, Goenka speaking with Rahul in public was seen as an example of the team owner venting his frustration on the captain.
On Thursday, it was reported by news agency PTI that if Rahul decides to step down as captain for the last two matches then LSG management would not have a problem.
“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,” a source told PTI .
However, there’s a new twist in the tale.
Another source has told news agency IANS that everything is “fine” between Goenka and Rahul, besides adding that he will not be removed as the captain. The reports that Rahul will not retained ahead of the IPL mega auction in 2025 were also shot down.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“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,” sources close to LSG team told IANS.
Another report in Indian Express says there’s “disquiet” in the LSG camp since the defeat to SRH and Goenka’s conversation with Rahul.
LSG pacer and Afghanistan cricketer Naveen-Ul-Haq meanwhile has come out in support of his captain Rahul.
In a heartwarming post for Rahul on Instagram, Naveen-Ul-Haq shared a photo of the LSG skipper with him and used just a heart emoji as the caption.
LSG’s playoff chances
Lucknow have 12 points from 12 matches and they need to win their next two matches to have any chance.