IPL 2024 Shock: Sanjiv Goenka Slams KL Rahul After LSG’s Playoff Exit
Sanjiv Goenka slams KL Rahul after LSG’s playoff exit in IPL 2024. In a shocking turn of events, DC effectively ended LSG's hopes of qualifying for the playoffs, leading to a heated public chat between Sanjiv Goenka and KL Rahul.
LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka had another chat with captain KL Rahul and coach Justin Langer after DC ended their playoff hopes.
Not much escapes the internet these days, especially when it involves Sanjiv Goenka and KL Rahul. The Lucknow Super Giants owner and captain have been in the spotlight since Goenka criticized Rahul following the team's loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. This outburst led to rumors about Rahul quitting as captain before the season ends. However, things have changed since then.
Before LSG's match against DC at the Arun Jaitely Stadium on Tuesday, Goenka reportedly invited Rahul for dinner on Monday. Photos of them hugging and exchanging pleasantries went viral. Their warm relationship was evident during and after the match against DC.
Rahul, who gave up the wicket-keeping gloves as LSG returned to Quinton de Kock, made a fine catch to dismiss DC batter Shai Hope. Although he couldn't hold it on the first try, he dived forward to grab the rebound and complete the catch.
Goenka, watching from the stands, applauded and smiled at Rahul's athletic display.
Even after the match, the atmosphere was positive. LSG's loss to DC ended their playoff chances, but unlike the last game against SRH, Goenka handled the setback well. He had another discussion with Rahul, but this time, there were no angry gestures, only a warm smile.
This positive development suggests a good future for LSG before next year's mega auctions. The harmony between the LSG owners and Rahul was clear when head coach Justin Langer and assistant coach Lance Klusener dismissed talks of a rift.
Langer and Klusener called it a “storm in a teacup” and said that differences of opinion between management and captain are healthy for any team.
DC End LSG's Playoff Hopes
The Lucknow-based team lost their second-to-last match of the season by 17 runs. DC scored 208 for four in their must-win game against LSG. Opener Abhishek Porel made 58 off 33 balls, and Tristan Stubbs (57 not out off 25 balls) boosted DC past 200.
In response, LSG ended at 189 for nine despite fighting fifties from Nicholas Pooran (61 off 27) and Arshad Khan (58 not out off 33).
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