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KL Rahul, the former captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has shed light on the heated exchange he had with team owner Sanjiv Goenka during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The incident occurred after LSG suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat at the hands of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Rahul, who led the side during the match, spoke openly about the impact of the conversation on the team's morale and playoff ambitions.
The conversation, which was caught on camera, unfolded on the boundary line at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Goenka's visible displeasure was evident following the team's humiliating loss, and he engaged in an animated discussion with Rahul. While the content of their conversation remained inaudible, it sparked widespread discussion and scrutiny on social media. Critics suggested that such confrontations should be handled privately rather than publicly.
Rahul acknowledged the negative impact of the incident on the team's psyche, stating that it was a 'shock' for everyone involved. He explained that LSG were at a crucial point in the tournament where every game was important. The team required a series of wins to secure a playoff berth, and the defeat against SRH dealt a significant blow to their hopes. Despite the setback, Rahul emphasized that the team tried to regroup and remain focused on their goals, but ultimately, their efforts proved insufficient.
The match itself saw LSG post a modest total of 165 runs after opting to bat first. Rahul's own performance was underwhelming, scoring 29 runs off 33 balls. While Ayush Badoni (55) and Nicholas Pooran (48) contributed significantly with a 99-run partnership, it proved insufficient to challenge SRH's formidable batting lineup. In response, Travis Head (89 off 30) and Abhishek Sharma (75 off 28) unleashed a devastating assault, decimating the LSG bowlers and securing a comfortable victory for SRH in just 9.4 overs.
Rahul expressed his astonishment at the ease with which SRH dismantled their bowling attack. He remarked that it was one of the worst matches he had ever played in, highlighting the sheer dominance of Head and Sharma. The LSG bowlers struggled to contain the SRH batsmen, who effortlessly found boundaries and sent the ball flying into the crowd. The speed at which SRH chased down the target was described by Rahul as 'ridiculous,' leaving the LSG team bewildered by their own performance.
The incident between Rahul and Goenka, coupled with LSG's disappointing performance in the 2024 season, ultimately led to the team's decision to part ways with their captain. The team opted to retain Nicholas Pooran as their highest-paid player at Rs 21 crore, followed by Ravi Bishnoi and Mayank Yadav at Rs 11 crore each. Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan were also retained at Rs 4 crore each, signaling a change in direction for the franchise.