KL Rahul’s future with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) remains uncertain. Despite leading the franchise to two playoffs in three seasons, the captain may not return to Lucknow for the IPL 2025 season. It all started with that ‘conversation‘ between him and LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka last season after the team was hammered by the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
KL Rahul wishes to stay at LSG
Different reports emerged following that incident. Some stated that Rahul was unhappy and would leave, while others said that Goenka would sack the LSG captain. Nothing happened. That was until a couple of days ago. Rahul apparently met with his franchise owner in Kolkata to talk about his retention ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
A source stated that Rahul was interested in getting retained, but Goenka didn’t commit. His hesitation was the result of uncertainty about the retention policy for the IPL 2025 auction. You see, the BCCI hasn’t released the rules for the mega auction yet, and the LSG owner isn’t ready to commit to anything until they are out.
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Sanjiv Goenka holding out
Yesterday, Sanjiv Goenka announced Zaheer Khan as the LSG mentor for IPL 2025. In the press conference, he was asked about KL Rahul’s future with the franchise. He went on to say that Rahul was like ‘family’ but didn’t clearly state that Rahul would continue as the captain.
“I have been meeting KL (Rahul) on and off regularly over the last three years. Frankly, I am surprised this meeting is getting a lot of attention. He is integral (part of LSG). He has been here since the inception. For me personally and my son Shashwat, he is like family,” Sanjiv Goenka said.
Imagine this. Shubman Gill was named the captain of the Gujarat Titans less than a year ago. Let’s assume for the IPL 2025 season, GT no longer wish to continue having Gill as their leader. Despite being uncertain about his future as captain, wouldn’t GT’s COO Arvinder Singh come out and say that he’s our captain for the coming season? He could change his statement when required, but until then, why spur some controversy?
Sanjiv Goenka has done exactly the opposite. Firstly, he says KL Rahul is family, and when asked about retention, he says, “Still enough time to decide. Everything has to be very well thought out.” If Rahul is a member of your house, why can’t you confirm that he’ll stay there for another year?
