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    LSG Owner Discusses Future Plans
LSG Owner Discusses Future Plans
Cricket Stands. Source: reddit.com

LSG Owner Discusses Future Plans

Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), remained tight-lipped about the team's retention strategy and the future of captain KL Rahul but acknowledged that the upcoming mega auction will prompt the team to "reset" certain aspects ahead of IPL 2025.

Speaking at a media event in Kolkata, where the newly appointed mentor Zaheer Khan was introduced, Goenka stated that LSG's retention decisions will be made with a focus on the medium term, rather than short-term gains.

"All our decisions are made with careful consideration of the medium term," Goenka explained. "The nature of a mega auction means that some level of reset is inevitable, but we aim to retain as much of our core as possible. Our head coach Justin Langer, along with support staff Lance Klusener and Jonty Rhodes, will continue with us. It's about building on our current foundation and pushing forward."

Rahul, who has captained LSG since their debut in IPL 2022, met with Goenka in Kolkata this week. While Goenka did not disclose details of their discussion, he described Rahul as being "like family" to the franchise.

"I've met with KL regularly over the last three years," Goenka noted. "I'm surprised by the media attention this meeting has received. He’s an integral part of LSG and has been with us since the beginning. For me and my son Shashwat, who is also involved with the team, he is like family."

After making the playoffs in IPL 2022 and 2023, LSG failed to qualify in 2024, finishing seventh due to a poor net run rate. This season was also the first without the guidance of mentor Gautam Gambhir, who had moved to Kolkata Knight Riders. Looking ahead, Goenka expressed confidence that Zaheer Khan's involvement would significantly benefit the team.

"This is the start of a new chapter," Goenka said. "Zaheer has always impressed me as a player, coach, and strategist. His drive for success was a key factor in bringing him into the LSG setup. A few weeks ago, I realised he wasn’t tied to any cricket franchise. I called him, we had a conversation, and he agreed to join us. It was a quick decision, and we’re thrilled to have him."

Zaheer, who previously worked with Mumbai Indians from 2018 to 2022 in a similar capacity, will now take on a role with LSG focused on development and strategy. He expressed admiration for the foundation laid by the relatively young franchise, which he feels aligns with his own vision.

"Yes, it happened just as Mr. Goenka described," Zaheer said. "We had a conversation and found that we shared similar views on cricket. We discussed the team’s direction, culture, and brand of play. Despite being a young franchise, LSG doesn’t seem like one. Making the playoffs in such a competitive league is no small feat, and that progress gives me confidence."

Zaheer also hinted that his role would include working closely with the bowling unit, adding with a smile, "If I'm part of the setup, does the team really need another bowling coach?"

Currently, LSG's roster includes key players such as KL Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Quinton de Kock, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Devdutt Padikkal, among others. The IPL retention rules are expected to be announced in early September, after which teams will decide on player retention, with a potential deadline in late November before the mega auction leading into IPL 2025.

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