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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul had a forgettable Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. After the embarrassing defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka had an animated chat with Rahul on the field. While Goenka made up with Rahul, LSG failed to qualify for playoffs for the first time despite seven wins from 14 games. Months after, Rahul went to meet Goenka in franchise's Kolkata office on August 26.
As per a report by PTI, Rahul wants to be retained by LSG but Goenka did not give him any reassurances. Rahul's leadership is in question, especially after current Indian coach Gautam Gambhir left the franchise to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for one season.
"Yes, Rahul came to Kolkata and met Dr Goenka at RPG head office. He has clearly told Dr Goenka that he wants to be retained. However, till BCCI comes up with retention policy, LSG management wouldn't want to chalk out their plans," an IPL Governing Council member, privy to developments in LSG, told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
"Look, Rahul wants retention but till LSG knows how many are to be retained and what's the new purse, they can't commit anyone," the IPL source said.
LSG is yet to make an official comment. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to reveal how many players a franchise can retain ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Rahul was paid Rs 17 crore and retaining him as first option may cost LSG a little more than that.
Earlier, there were reports that Rahul may return to his former franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). If LSG don't retain him, he may have to go back into the auction pool. The 32-year-old has not been in the best forms of late and his strike rate in white-ball cricket has been under the scanner.
Deal with Zaheer finalised
Meanwhile, the report also stated that India's ODI World Cup 2011-winning member Zaheer Khan will be unveiled as a mentor soon as the deal has been finalised. Earlier, Zaheer was involved in five-time IPL-winning franchise Mumbai Indians’ (MI) coaching staff.
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