LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka calls KL Rahul 'family': Details here
Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), discussed his team's strategy for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He acknowledged that the forthcoming mega auction would necessitate some changes within the team. However, he did not reveal specific details about retention plans or KL Rahul's future with LSG. The discussion took place in Kolkata, where Zaheer Khan was introduced as the new mentor for LSG. Here are further details.
Goenka emphasizes long-term planning for LSG
Goenka stressed that LSG's retention decisions will be made with a long-term perspective. "All decisions are medium-term and need to be thought of carefully," he said. He also confirmed that the team's core members, including coach Justin Langer and support staff Lance Klusener and Jonty Rhodes, will continue their roles in the upcoming season.
Goenka's relationship with KL Rahul and team performance
Goenka opened up on Rahul and also said LSG haven't taken a call on anything. "KL has been an integral and important part of the LSG family since inception. He's played a very important role. He's like family and will be family," said Goenka. "Look, I've been meeting KL regularly over the last three years. I'm a little surprised this meeting got so much attention. As I've said, we have not taken any call till the retention rules are out."
Zaheer Khan's appointment and vision for LSG
Goenka expressed confidence in Zaheer Khan's ability to guide the team, stating that his hunger for success was a deciding factor in bringing him onboard. "Beginning of a new relationship. Zaheer has impressed me as a player, coach and strategist," Goenka said. Zaheer echoed these sentiments, expressing admiration for the progress made by LSG in just three years and aligning with the owners' vision for the team's future.
Rahul led LSG to the play-offs in first two seasons
Rahul led LSG to play-offs during the team's first two IPL seasons in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Gautam Gambhir, who was the team's mentor, played a key role. However, LSG, without Gambhir last season, finished outside the top 4.
