Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has turned off comments on his Instagram following criticism over his animated conduct towards captain KL Rahul after team's crushing defeat against SRH in their IPL 2024 clash few days back. A video captured Goenka in a heated discussion with Rahul, sparking outrage on social media. Many, including former players, felt the conversation should have been private. Fans have been critical of Goenka online, but with comments disabled, their messages can't reach him directly. Since the incident, LSG has gone silent on social media, and players have also avoided posting.
According to Indian Express, the team's strategy against Sunrisers Hyderabad was also questioned by the ownership.
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Chasing Lucknow Super Giants' modest total of 165/4, Sunrisers Hyderabad openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma tore into the bowling, scoring the runs in a mere 9.4 overs without losing a wicket. This dominant win not only thrashed LSG but also hurt their net run rate, making their playoff qualification dependent on other teams' results.
Additionally, reports suggest Sanjiv Goenka apologized to KL Rahul after their public argument. Speculation swirls that Rahul might even be replaced as captain next season. Nicholas Pooran is a potential candidate to take over the captaincy if Rahul steps down or is relieved of his duties.
India's pace spearhead Mohammed Shami also reacted to Goenka's conduct towards KL Rahul.
"Crores of people are watching you and learning from you. If these things happen in front of cameras, and you see such reactions on screen, it's shameful. Aapka ek dayra hona chahiye baat karne ka, yeh message bahut galat jaata hai. (You should have boundaries, there's a way to talk. This sends a very wrong message)," Shami said on 'Cricbuzz Live'.
"It's very important to note that players have respect, and you are a respectful person too, as an owner. It's not that you're talking suddenly. If you have to do that, there are many different ways. You could've done the same thing in the dressing room or the hotel. It wasn't necessary to do it on the field. Aise reaction de ke koi lal quile pe jhanda toh gaad nahi diya aapne (you didn't hoist a flag on Red Fort by doing what you did)," Shami concluded.
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