The recent incident involving Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka and team captain KL Rahul sparked criticism. Former Delhi Capitals captain Virender Sehwag has joined the chorus of disapproval directed at Goenka. Sehwag's comments stem from a video that went viral on social media, which captured a heated conversation between Goenka and Rahul at the Ekana Stadium following a match loss. The video showed Goenka apparently reprimanding Rahul, leading to widespread criticism of the owner's behavior towards his captain.
Sehwag cracks whip at Sanjiv Goenka's act towards KL Rahul
Sehwag's critique goes beyond the specific incident. In a recent appearance on Cricbuzz's IPL show, Sehwag questioned Goenka's approach to ownership. He suggested that Goenka, like many IPL owners, prioritises profit over the sporting aspects of the game. Sehwag's comments, delivered in his characteristically blunt style, implied that team owners should focus on supporting the team rather than micromanaging based on financial results.
Their primary role in the IPL should be to uplift the players' spirits and ensure each individual feels valued by the franchise. Sehwag then alluded to his own experience upon leaving the Punjab Kings.
"These are all businessmen. They only understand profit and loss. But here, there is no loss, so what's bothering them? You are earning a 400-crore profit. I mean, this is a business where you have to do nothing at all. You have guys to take care of that, and irrespective of what happens, you are earning profit," Sehwag said during a conversation with Cricbuzz.
"So you're work should only be to motivate the players. What happens is that the player will think that there are other franchises in the IPL, if I leave, someone else will take me. And if you lose a player, your chances of winning are zero. When I left Punjab, they were fifth. They never came fifth in any other seasons," he added.
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Fans come to Rahul's rescue
The public outcry has overwhelmingly targeted Sanjiv Goenka, with KL Rahul receiving widespread support from fans, both local and national, as well as international cricket pundits. Some reports even suggested that Rahul, post this incident, is considering leaving the Lucknow franchise after three years to pursue a new challenge in the IPL.
Sehwag weighed in on the owner's role, emphasising their responsibility to motivate players at every interaction. He argued against confrontational meetings and suggested owners leave on-field decisions to the coach and captain.
"The owner's role should be that when they meet the players in the dressing room or during a press meet, they should only talk to motivate them. But if the owner comes and asks - 'What is going on? What's the problem? see the coaches and the captain run the team, so it is better for these owners not to get involved with players or get angry with me," Sehwag concluded.
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