In the recent press conference of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Kolkata, Sanjiv Goenka opened about the changes in the franchise, along with the announcement of Zaheer Khan as the new mentor. The speculation of KL Rahul future in LSG has been in the media, around a lot. While Goenka didn’t specify much as he said mega auction is near, and you are forced to reset, while trying to maintain the core.
He has stressed the fact that Rahul is an integral part of the team, and part of his family, but still tried to maintain the secrecy whether LSG would part ways with Rahul or not.
KL Rahul’s role in LSG, so far
KL Rahul had a momentous journey in IPL , from (RCB) Royal Challengers Bangalore to (LSG) Lucknow Super Giants. He has played for RCB , Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab XI Kings till now, winning the orange cap in 2020. KL Rahul was appointed as the captain of LSG for ₹17 crore, the highest at that time in 2022. There he scored his two centuries for the team against Mumbai Indians, leading the team to playoffs, they lost to RCB in the eliminator match. In 2023, he was ruled out of the matches because of injury, despite the team qualifying for playoffs that season.
In 2024, a video surfaced online where LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka seemed to be heavily reprimanding Rahul after a heavy loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The video sparked speculations from that period, whether Rahul would decide to stay with the team or leave. Goenka was criticized for the act, but it was later clarified, that it was nothing more but a normal discussion between owner and captain, there was a mention that he invited Rahul for a formal dinner.
Zaheer Khan as the new mentor for LSG
Under Gambhir’s tutelage, LSG has performed well both the seasons, but Gambhir moving to KKR has incurred a loss to the team. Former pacer Zaheer Khan has roped in for the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2025 onwards. Khan, in the press conference has mentioned that the progress of the team in three years has been progressive and smooth, and it would be an endearing task to improve the bowling, as team structure. The team has already placed its roots, it’s just that the stem of the team that needs to be build.
The decision to take Zaheer Khan as the head coach of LSG was Sanjiv Goenka’s disapproval with the team’s performance this year. This was the first time that the team didn’t qualify for the playoffs, and also Zaheer Khan has always been a respectful and strategic member in the cricket community.
It is however unclear whether Khan would fill up the bowling coach’s vacant seat, but would act as a bridge between the players and the management, and an anchor for the team’s integrity and performance.
What lies for LSG ahead?
Before the mega auction, a roster would be out and the decision of retaining players would be knocking the doors. In September, the rules of retention would be out and KL Rahul’s future in LSG would be a crucial decision to make.
The squad for the IPL 2025, would be finalized soon, some players would make a permanent place with the team like Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi and Marcus Stoinis. However, the retention of other players would shape the future of the team ahead.
