KL Rahul, the star batter and former captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has responded to recent comments made by LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka following the team’s retention decisions ahead of IPL 2025. The franchise made the decision to part ways with Rahul, and Goenka’s remarks about prioritizing players who “put the team before their personal goals” were widely interpreted as being directed at the now-former captain. This decision has sparked some controversy, especially since Rahul had been a key figure for LSG since their inception in 2022.
Rahul was signed by LSG before the 2022 IPL mega auction and was handed the captaincy. Under his leadership, the team performed well, qualifying for the playoffs in their first two seasons. However, in IPL 2024, the franchise struggled and finished in the bottom half of the points table, which led to their decision not to retain Rahul for the upcoming season. LSG opted to retain players like Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Ayush Badoni, and Mohsin Khan, signaling a shift in their squad dynamics.
Goenka, discussing the retention process, emphasized that the team was looking for players with the right mindset — individuals who prioritize team goals over personal ambitions. “It was a simple mindset to go in with players who have a mindset to win, who put the team first before their personal goals,” Goenka explained in a message played on Star Sports. This comment sparked speculation that Rahul’s approach may not have aligned with the franchise’s new direction.
Rahul, in his response, clarified that the decision to move on from LSG was his own. Speaking to Star Sports, he said, “The decision was made already. I don’t know what the comments are, but they must have come after the retentions were made. I just felt like I wanted to start fresh, explore my options, and play somewhere where I can find some freedom, and the team atmosphere would be lighter and more balanced. Pressure is already very high in the IPL.”
The relationship between Rahul and Goenka had seen tension before. During a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024, Goenka’s on-field behavior towards Rahul had caused some friction. However, both parties later resolved the issue. Rahul further explained why he values a balanced team atmosphere, citing successful franchises like Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings as examples of how staying calm and composed, win or lose, is crucial for a team’s success. “Whether they win or lose, they seem very balanced and stay very calm. That’s something very important for me,” Rahul said.
Despite the challenges at LSG, Rahul reflected positively on his time with the franchise. He credited the coaching staff, including Andy Flower, Gautam Gambhir, and Justin Langer, for creating a positive environment, but acknowledged it was time for him to seek new opportunities. “I tried to create a balanced atmosphere at LSG, but now it’s time to move on and find something good for myself,” he concluded. Rahul will now go under the hammer in the upcoming IPL mega auction, where his next chapter in the tournament will begin.
