Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka recently reflected on past experiences with the Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) to send an indirect message to LSG captain KL Rahul. Goenka compared his time with RPS under MS Dhoni and Steve Smith to highlight what he sees as poor decision-making by LSG in IPL 2024.
LSG’s Recent Performance
LSG made it to the playoffs in their first two seasons but dropped to seventh place in the latest edition of the IPL.
This poor performance has led to speculation about Captain KL Rahul possibly leaving the team. Goenka and Rahul have had several discussions, but no agreement has been reached yet.
Changes and Criticisms
LSG has recently appointed Zaheer Khan as their mentor, replacing Gautam Gambhir.
Goenka expressed that LSG lacked the presence of an experienced Indian mind like Gambhir’s in crucial situations last season. He believes Zaheer Khan, known for his determination, can fill this role.
Goenka’s Reflections on Past Teams
During a recent discussion, Goenka hinted at dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, suggesting that poor decision-making contributed to their struggles. He emphasized that while individual players might be off-form, it’s unusual for an entire team to perform poorly every day.
Table: RPS Leadership History
Season
Captain
Team Performance
2016
MS Dhoni
Reached playoffs
2017
Steve Smith
Reached finals; lost to Mumbai Indians
Goenka’s View on Inexperience
Goenka recalled the RPS’s final appearance in IPL 2017, where he felt inexperience cost them the match. Despite having experienced players like Dhoni and Smith, he noted that the team lacked overall experience.
Key Points
Goenka criticized the team’s decision-making and attitude under pressure.
He stressed the need for confidence and a never-give-up attitude to succeed, drawing a comparison to Mumbai Indians’ success.
Overall, Goenka’s comments suggest a need for improvement in leadership and decision-making within LSG to better handle high-pressure situations.
