Healthy Discussion or Crisis? LSG Addresses KL Rahul-Sanjiv Goenka Incident

Cric News India IPL News 2025

May 13, 2024 0 936

Lucknow Super Giants’ assistant coach Lance Klusener downplayed team owner Sanjiv Goenka’s criticism of captain KL Rahul, dismissing it as a minor issue.

Lucknow Super Giants’ assistant coach Lance Klusener downplayed the recent controversy surrounding team owner Sanjiv Goenka’s public confrontation with captain KL Rahul, describing it as a minor issue blown out of proportion on social media. Despite speculation about Rahul’s future as skipper, Klusener emphasized that there have been no formal discussions on the matter within the team. He emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue in team improvement, characterizing the incident as a mere “storm in a teacup.”

Klusener also highlighted the team’s positive approach towards robust discussions, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than sources of conflict.

“I don’t see any problem with some robust discussion between two cricket lovers. So for us, I guess it’s just a storm in a teacup. We love a robust discussion. I think that’s how teams get better. So, it’s not a big thing for us,” he said during the pre-match conference.

Notably, Klusener stood by Rahul despite his lower strike rate, attributing it to the team’s challenging batting situations. He praised Rahul’s unique playing style and global respect but acknowledged the tough IPL season due to frequent wicket losses.

“I think as a batting unit around KL, we haven’t been as good as we should. It’s just been extremely tough conditions for him. I think by KL’s standards, he probably would have liked to have kicked on in a few more games. Probably (he) would have liked to have at least one or two hundred that haven’t worked out for him. But there’s still a couple of games left. He’s in a good space. So, we’ve got our fingers crossed again for him,” the coach continued.

LSG, currently seventh with 12 points in 12 games, remains in contention for playoffs. Their upcoming matches against Delhi Capitals, also vying for qualification, and Mumbai Indians, already out, will decide their fate.