IPL 2024: Amit Mishra Reveals Sanjiv Goenka’s Verbal Spat with KL Rahul, LSG’s Captaincy Future in Jeopardy

In a recent podcast conversation, veteran spinner Amit Mishra shared his insights on the controversy surrounding Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka’s public outburst against captain KL Rahul during the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The incident, which took place after LSG’s crushing defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), has sparked intense debate among fans and experts alike.

According to Mishra, Goenka was visibly disappointed with the team’s performance, particularly their consecutive losses to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and SRH. The LSG owner was seen having an animated conversation with Rahul, which was widely reported in the media. However, Mishra downplayed the incident, stating that Goenka’s anger was understandable given the team’s poor show.

“It was not a huge deal,” Mishra said. “We lost two back-to-back matches very badly. Against KKR, we lost by some 90-100 runs, and against SRH, the match was finished within 10 overs. It felt like we were bowling them during a net practice session. If I am so angry about it, will someone who has actually put money into the team not feel angry?” Mishra questioned.

Mishra’s remarks have raised questions about the future of Rahul as LSG captain. The team had invested heavily in the batsman, signing him for a whopping INR 17 crore in 2022, making him the joint-highest-paid player in IPL history alongside Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) Virat Kohli. However, Mishra believes that LSG may look for a better captain in the forthcoming season.

“It does not matter if he is in the Indian team or not. But a person who has the right mentality for T20s should be the captain. Someone who plays for the team should be captain. I am sure LSG will look for a better captain,” Mishra emphasized.

Rahul’s form has been a subject of concern, particularly his failure to secure a spot in India’s World Cup squad for the T20 World Cup. Despite scoring 520 runs in 14 games last season, his performance has been inconsistent. Mishra’s comments have added fuel to the speculation surrounding Rahul’s future as LSG captain.

The controversy has also sparked debate about the role of captains in T20 cricket. Mishra believes that a captain should have the right mentality for the format and play for the team. This has led to speculation that LSG may consider replacing Rahul with a more suitable candidate.

The development comes as a surprise, given LSG’s investment in Rahul. However, Mishra’s remarks have set the stage for an intriguing captaincy battle in the forthcoming season of the IPL. As the team prepares for the next edition, fans will be eagerly waiting to see if Rahul will retain his position or if a new captain will be appointed.

Historical Context:

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India, established in 2008. The league has grown in popularity over the years, with teams owned by prominent businesspeople and celebrities. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is one of the newer teams in the league, founded in 2022. KL Rahul was appointed as the captain of LSG in 2022, and the team has invested heavily in him, making him the joint-highest-paid player in IPL history.

The controversy surrounding Sanjiv Goenka’s verbal spat with KL Rahul is not the first instance of a team owner’s public outburst against a player or captain in the IPL. In the past, there have been instances of team owners and coaches publicly criticizing players, which has led to tension and speculation about the future of the player.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Amit Mishra, a veteran spinner, revealed that LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka had a verbal spat with captain KL Rahul after a crushing defeat to SRH in the 2024 IPL. • Mishra downplayed the incident, stating that Goenka’s anger was understandable given the team’s poor performance. • The incident has raised questions about Rahul’s future as LSG captain, with Mishra suggesting that the team may look for a better captain. • Rahul’s form has been a subject of concern, particularly his failure to secure a spot in India’s World Cup squad for the T20 World Cup. • Mishra believes that a captain should have the right mentality for T20 cricket and play for the team, leading to speculation that LSG may consider replacing Rahul. • The controversy has sparked debate about the role of captains in T20 cricket and the future of Rahul as LSG captain. • The development comes as a surprise, given LSG’s investment in Rahul, and sets the stage for an intriguing captaincy battle in the forthcoming season of the IPL.