Exclusive: LSG allrounder Krishnappa Gowtham sheds light on Sanjiv Goenka-KL Rahul episode

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka lost his calm after Lucknow Super Giants' 10-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. The KL Rahul-led team was fighting for a place in the playoffs but the defeat crushed their net run rate, putting them under immense pressure. Goenka was seen extremely disappointed with the performance, particularly Rahul, who made 29 runs off 33 balls in that match.

The duo had an animated chat after the game, which grabbed the eyeballs. It was reported that their relationship got bitter ever since and that Goenka wanted a new captain on board. However, things have changed in recent times as the duo was spotted having a meeting at Goenka’s office in Kolkata. The LSG owner also mentioned that Rahul is like "family" but there remains doubt whether Rahul would continue with the team next season.

Meanwhile, Rahul’s LSG teammate Krishnappa Gowtham opened up about what happened on that night at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. He recalled that Goenka was upset with the performance and stated that Rahul was trying to explain Goenka what went wrong.

Also Read - Watch: LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka seen bickering with KL Rahul post SRH drubbing

“He [franchise owner Sanjeev Goenka] was a little disappointed with the way [we] lost the game. Any human will have emotions and will go through that rollercoaster. KL being KL, he kept his calm. He heard him out. He didn’t take either of the side. He didn’t take the owner’s side or the players’ side. He kept his calm and was listening to everything because he had to analyse it before explaining it [to Goenka on what went wrong],” Gowtham stated in an exclusive chat with CricTracker.

“It was a little animated but I think a person who has invested a lot of time and effort in the team and to see the way we lost that game. I think it shows the kind of passion he has for the team and the values he has for the team. He wants us to win everything and he wants us to enjoy that. [The loss] disappointed him and that’s why he reacted the way he reacted,” Gowtham added.

Also Read - 'He is like family' - Sanjiv Goenka opens up on KL Rahul's LSG future

Lucknow finished seventh on the points table with seven wins in 14 games and failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2024. Recently, their bowling coach Morne Morkel left the team to join the India coaching unit. After his departure, the franchise unveiled Zaheer Khan as their mentor. Meanwhile, the grapevine is abuzz that Rahul potentially not continue with LSG.