Sanjiv Goenka discusses KL Rahul’s LSG future “He is like family.”

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and KL Rahul‘s future together have been a major talking point leading up to the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction. Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of LSG, has finally responded to the rumours over his retention.

Rahul has been a vital member of the team since its founding and was acquired by LSG for an incredible INR 17 crore prior to the IPL 2022 mega auction. His future with the squad is now uncertain, though, after LSG’s underwhelming 2024 season in which they missed the playoffs.

“I find it surprising how much attention this meeting is receiving. Goenka stated during a press conference, “As I already stated, we have not given any thought on retention till the BCCI comes out with the rules.

Since the beginning, KL Rahul has been there: Sanjiv Goenka

The rumours intensified following a post-match incident that happened during the 2024 season, following LSG’s crushing 10-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Following the widespread release of a video featuring Goenka and Rahul having a lively chat, there was backlash and speculation about a potential rift between them.

In Kolkata, Goenka recently had Rahul over for supper, despite the rumours. However, there were rumours that Rahul might not be kept for the 2025 season, adding to the ongoing rumours of a tense relationship. Even that his previous team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), would be considering bringing him back was hinted at.

“All I can say is that KL has contributed significantly and is a vital member of the Super Giants group. He was there from the beginning. He has been a major contributor. He is and will always be like family to me,” he remarked.

“We have November, October, and September to make that decision. Allow the policies to expire. We haven’t even considered the squad moving ahead; we have no idea if retention will be three, four, five, or six. We have enough time, so let’s see, little by little. We must carefully study and think through every decision we make today because it will affect us in the medium term.

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In addition to keeping head coach Justin Langer, assistant coach Lance Klusner, and fielding coach Jonty Rhodes on board, the team just announced that Zaheer Khan has been named as a mentor.