Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has expressed his confidence in K.L. Rahul, stating that he is “an integral part of the franchise.” This comes amidst speculations about Rahul’s future with the team.
Goenka’s comments follow a heated discussion with Rahul after a heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad last season. The incident sparked rumors that Rahul might not continue with LSG. However, Rahul met with Goenka in Kolkata on Monday and expressed his desire to remain with the team.
“I’ve been meeting K.L. 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,” Goenka said.
“But 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.”
Goenka remained evasive on the issue of player retention and captaincy, stating that the team is waiting for the BCCI to release the rules regarding retention.
“We have all of September, October, and November to decide that. Let the policies be out. We have not even thought about the team going forward, whether retention will be three-four-five or six, we have no clue,” Goenka said.
“Let us see, there is enough time, so bit by bit. Whatever decisions we take today will impact us for the medium-term future, so it has to be very well thought out and considered.”
“There is enough time for it so it’s too early. Let the BCCI announce the policy first, then there will be discussions.”
Goenka also announced the appointment of Zaheer Khan as the team’s mentor. He said that the team is looking to improve and that Zaheer’s experience will be invaluable.
“You always try and improve and that is a constant endeavor. When you have a mega auction, there is bound to be a reset but you want to retain the core as much as possible you can. Let’s see how it goes.”
“One doesn’t know which way what goes. Certainly, the coach (Justin Langer) continues, Lance Kluesener (assistant coach), and Jonty Rhodes (fielding coach) also continue. We are delighted for Morne Morkel and Gautam Gambhir, very pleased they have joined the national team,” Goenka said.
Rahul led LSG to the playoffs in the first two seasons, but it is believed that Gambhir’s strategic acumen played a significant role in the team’s success. Rahul’s leadership was exposed in the third season when LSG failed to make the last four.
