Sanjiv Goenka, owner of the Lucknow Super Giants, recently discussed his team’s strategy for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. While he did not reveal specific details about player retention or the future of captain KL Rahul, Goenka acknowledged that the team will undergo significant changes as they “reset” in various aspects.
Speaking in Kolkata alongside newly appointed mentor Zaheer Khan, Goenka emphasized that the Lucknow Super Giants’ retention decisions will be made with a long-term vision in mind.
‘All decisions are medium-term and need to be thought of carefully,” he said. “When you have a mega auction you are bound to have a reset. But you try and maintain as much of the core as possible. The coach Justin Langer continues, Lance Klusener and Jonty Rhodes will also be there. So it is a question of improving and going further from where you are now.’
Skipper Rahul’s Take
KL Rahul, captain of the Lucknow Super Giants since the team’s debut in the IPL 2022, recently visited Kolkata and met with team owner Sanjiv Goenka. While Goenka chose not to disclose the specifics of their discussion, he referred to Rahul as “family,” highlighting their close relationship.
‘I have been meeting KL on and off regularly over the last three years,’ Goenka said. ‘Frankly I am surprised this meeting is getting a lot of attention. He is integral to LSG. He has been here since the inception. For me personally and for my son (Shashwat Goenka), who is also involved in running LSG, he is like family.’
Sanjiv Goenka Confident Over Zaheer’s inclusion
After reaching the playoffs in both IPL 2022 and 2023, the Lucknow Super Giants fell short in the 2024 season, finishing seventh on the table due to a poor net run rate. This marked the first season without mentor Gautam Gambhir, who had moved to the Kolkata Knight Riders. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Sanjiv Goenka is confident that Zaheer Khan’s involvement will “do wonders” for the Lucknow Super Giants.
‘Beginning of a new relationship. Zaheer has impressed me as a player, coach and strategist,’ Goenka said. “His hunger for success is something that attracted me to bring him into the LSG franchise.
‘A couple of weeks ago, I realised he wasn’t with any cricket franchise. I called him up. We spoke. He agreed. And he’s here. It’s as short and as quick as it gets. We are very excited to have him on board.’
