August 30, 2024

LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka Credits Gautam Gambhir’s Team for Building the Squad, Noting there was no Analyst or Research Team – India Priemier League

LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka has expressed his gratitude to former mentor Gautam Gambhir for his significant role in laying the foundation for the Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) team. Goenka reminisced about Gambhir’s dedication as he took on numerous responsibilities, including analysis and research, to build the team from the ground up.

The Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans debuted in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2022. Gambhir was appointed as the mentor for the Lucknow franchise and continued in this role for the 2023 season before moving to the Kolkata Knight Riders. In an interview with Sports Tak, Goenka praised Gambhir, emphasizing his crucial role in establishing the LSG franchise. 

Goenka stated (as quoted by Hindustan Times) that Gambhir’s unwavering commitment to the team’s success was instrumental in making the first auction a triumph. Goenka’s acknowledgment of Gambhir’s contributions highlights the importance of strong leadership and teamwork in sports.

“Gautam has played a significant role in building the side’s foundation. If you consider our first auction successful, it is only because of Gautam. We got the franchise barely two weeks before the auctions. We did not have an analyst or a research team. It was all Gautam Gambhir’s team. He did everything and put together a very balanced team.

“Everyone has specific roles, and Gautam played his part exceptionally well,” the Lucknow Super Giants owner added.

LSG achieved notable success during Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as the franchise’s mentor, reaching the playoffs in the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons. However, the team’s performance notably declined following Gambhir’s departure. In the 2024 IPL season, the KL Rahul-led side finished a disappointing seventh, contrasting to their previous playoff appearances.

Interestingly, Gambhir’s influence as a mentor proved to be a winning factor once again as he joined the Kolkata Knight Riders for the 2024 IPL edition. Under the expert guidance of their mentor, the Kolkata Knight Riders triumphed over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final match of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This remarkable turnaround for KKR further emphasizes Gambhir’s strategic prowess and the impact a mentor can have on a team’s performance in the highly competitive world of the Indian Premier League.

LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka addresses his relationship with Rahul

Amidst the Lucknow Super Giants’ struggles in the IPL 2024 season, a viral video of an animated discussion between team owner Sanjiv Goenka and captain KL Rahul caught the attention of fans and the media alike. The clip, which showcased a seemingly heated exchange between the two, raised questions about the dynamics of their professional relationship.

At a press conference held on Wednesday, Goenka sought to address the speculation surrounding the incident and dispel any discord between him and Rahul. Emphasizing their mutual respect and shared commitment to the team’s success, Goenka stated, “KL Rahul is an exceptional player and an integral part of the Lucknow Super Giants family. Our conversation on the field was a passionate discussion about the game, as we both strive for excellence and continuous improvement.” Despite the challenging season, Goenka reaffirmed his faith in the team’s ability to learn from setbacks and return more vital than ever.

“I have been meeting KL on and off regularly over the last three years. Frankly I am surprised this meeting is getting a lot of attention [in the media]. He is integral (to LSG).

“He has been here since the inception. For me personally and for (my son) Shashwat Goenka, (who is also involved in running LSG), he is like family.”

While Goenka acknowledged KL Rahul’s importance to the Lucknow Super Giants, he refrained from confirming whether the franchise would retain the player ahead of the upcoming mega auction. He emphasized that any decision on player retention would be made in due time, taking into account the team’s strategic considerations and long-term goals.

In a significant development, the Lucknow Super Giants announced former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan as their new mentor through posts on social media on Wednesday. Khan, who has previously been associated with the Mumbai Indians, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the LSG camp. As the team looks to build on their past performances and forge a path toward future success, the addition of Zaheer Khan as a mentor promises to be a valuable asset in helping the franchise reach new heights in the highly competitive landscape of the Indian Premier League.

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