Sanjeev Goenka in London for acquisition talks with Rajasthan Royals

The Rising Pune Supergiant franchise has run its course. After having a disappointing first season in 2016, RPS did exceptionally well to reach the finals of the IPL 2017. They came agonisingly close to lifting their maiden title but fell short by a solitary run in a Maharashtra Derby final in Hyderabad last month.

Goenka in London for talks with RR

The owner of RPS, Sanjeev Goenka, was recently spotted in London. Since the contract of his franchise is over now, Goenka seems keen to keep his interests in cricket going. According to Mumbai Mirror, Goenka has come to meet Manoj Badale, the ownership face of the Rajasthan Royals management. The London-based Badale hosts almost 40 per cent shares of the RR franchise.

Sources close to Goenka played down the visit as a prospective sporting one. But the presence of Raghu Iyer, who is the CEO of the Goenka’s sports wing, alongside Goenka has led to the murmurs of the latter’s interest in RR. Interestingly, Iyer knows the ownership of the Royals well having worked as a chief executive for the Royals management in the past. Goenka, though, wanted to keep his cards close to his chest.

“I have business here with close to 4000 people working in my firm. I have come for that purpose, I will also be visiting the India games in the Champions Trophy,” Goenka told Mirror without commenting on the supposed acquisition talks.

Royals in talks with other groups too

Goenka, however, did not deny about his chances of seeing Badale. Royals reportedly are open to investors and are also in talks with big groups like the Jindals. But there is no word on if they would want to keep the control of the franchise. Suresh Chellaram holds the maximum shares of the franchise but isn’t an active member. He recently, due to a technical reason, transferred all his shares to his daughter, Amisha Hathiramani.

After getting suspended for a period of two years, the Rajasthan Royals are set to be back in the IPL in the next season. Seeing Goenka’s interest in cricket, he will definitely strengthen the talks with the RR management. But the question remains how much hold the new partner will be given.