Amidst speculations regarding KL Rahul’s future with the Lucknow Super Giants, franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka has assured his importance to the team. Goenka, speaking during the unveiling of Zaheer Khan as the team mentor, acknowledged Rahul’s integral role in the franchise since its inception. “KL has been an integral and important part of the LSG family since inception. He’s played a very important role. He’s like family and will be family,” he stated.
However, Goenka remained evasive about player retention and captaincy decisions for the next IPL season. He emphasized that the team is awaiting the BCCI’s release of retention rules before making any concrete plans. “We have all of September, October and November to decide that. Let the policies be out. We have not even thought about the team going forward, whether retention will be three-four-five or six, we have no clue,” Goenka revealed.
Goenka’s comments come after a recent meeting with Rahul in Kolkata, where the Indian batter expressed his wish to remain with the Super Giants. Earlier this year, a video of an animated discussion between Rahul and Goenka following a heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad had fueled speculations about the batter’s future with the franchise.
While Goenka emphasized Rahul’s importance, he highlighted the need for a well-thought-out approach regarding player retention. “Whatever decisions we take today will impact us for the medium term future, so it has to be very well thought out and considered,” he added.
The Super Giants, who reached the playoffs in their first two seasons, are expected to undergo a significant re-evaluation with the arrival of Zaheer Khan as their new mentor. Goenka acknowledged the possibility of a reset, but assured the core of the team will be retained. “Certainly the coach (Justin Langer) continues, Lance Kluesener (assistant coach), Jonty Rhodes (fielding coach) also continue. We are delighted for Morne Morkel and Gautam Gambhir, very pleased they have joined the national team,” Goenka concluded.
