KL Rahul, former captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), was seen standing at arm's length from franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka after Delhi Capitals' recent win against LSG in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Rahul, who is now a part of Delhi, greeted Goenka and son Shaswat fleetingly before leaving without any other interactions. This small but noticeable gesture again fueled fresh speculations online regarding the strained relationship between Rahul and the LSG administration.
KL Rahul's Move to Delhi Capitals Symbolic of Underlying Rift
KL Rahul, Lucknow Super Giants' captain until the previous IPL season, switched to Delhi Capitals this season. His move followed a period of visible tension with LSG management. Last season, there had been a viral clip of an acrimonious on-field exchange between team owner Sanjiv Goenka and Rahul, fueling a lot of speculation regarding internal conflict.
During the last Delhi vs. Lucknow match, Rahul played a crucial role in Delhi Capitals winning the match. During the handshake ceremony after the game, Sanjiv Goenka and his son Shaswat were present on the field too. While KL Rahul also greeted them with a hasty handshake, he did not indulge in any other activity.
KL Rahul's Response Sparks Online Speculation
Sanjiv Goenka appeared to block Rahul to greet him before stopping for a word, but Rahul continued ahead without acknowledging him. The same encounter with Shaswat Goenka made plenty of news in social circles, and social media buzzed endlessly. Television audience interpreted the neglectful indifference shown by Rahul to an indisputable signal that there still lay unresolved hostility between the last skipper and Lucknow's management.
Fans on platforms recalled Sanjiv Goenka's scathing words the previous season, when he had emphasized the necessity of team-minded attitudes and criticized individual priorities. Most associated that with Rahul choosing to leave LSG and searching for new options in the league later.
Public Statements Reflect Deeper Discontent
In the pre-IPL mega auction off-season, Sanjiv Goenka explained that retaining players who prioritize team success over personal success was critical. His comment was seen as an open suggestion of KL Rahul, whose leadership had reportedly been questioned by the franchise.
Rahul responded back that the franchise had already made up their minds and that he was ready for a new phase in his career. Emphasizing again the need to have freedom, he talked about wanting to play in a scenario where there is greater freedom and less external pressure—referring to the tremendous pressure that comes with playing in the IPL.
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