LSG Assistant coach Lance Klusener breaks silence between KL Rahul and Sanjeev Goenka controversy

New Delhi: IPL has always been an amalgamation of sporadic events which transverse the ambits of playing fields. Most of the time these are aftershocks or reactions to a team’s performance in the particular game. In this boiling cauldron of controversies, Lucknow Super Giants have found themselves once again in the middle of a controversy after LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka had a go at the present captain KL Rahul.

After the disastrous match against SRH where in a packed stadium in Hyderabad, the Sunrisers thrashed the Lucknow in a remarkable way of power-hitting to chase down 165 in 9.4 overs without the loss of any wicket. LSG seemed out of place and without any option to stop the onslaught. An infuriated LSG owner had an outburst over KL Rahul after the humiliating defeat.

The incident received a lot of public outcry with animated responses on social media. It also raised many concerns and rumours over social media. One of the most pertinent questions that arises is the future of KL Rahul with LSG and the captaincy roles going forward. Reports also suggest that LSG might not retain Rahul in the forthcoming mega auction.

Never forget this pic.twitter.com/lQcNbf2bDE

— Tata IPL 2025 Commentary (@IPL2025Auction) May 14, 2024

“I don’t see any problem with some robust discussion….” says Klusener

LSG assistant coach and former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener however has tried to tone down the media hype and rumours surrounding both the stakeholders in question. Furthermore, the South African added “I don’t see any problem with some robust discussion between two cricket lovers. So for us, I guess it’s just a storm in a teacup. We love a robust discussion. I think that’s how teams get better. So, it’s not a big thing for us.” 

When asked about the franchise’s decision to retain Rahul, Klusener was very headstrong upfront and denied such claims on behalf of the franchise. However, even Klusener didn’t shy away from the fact that the batting unit has especially not clicked around Rahul.

Klusener said, “I think as a batting unit around KL, we haven’t been as good as we should. It’s just been extremely tough conditions for him. That’s something we’ve chatted about as well — we’ve just kept losing wickets at tough times.”

https://twitter.com/imsujayanand/status/1790306916247519289

Rahul’s Dipping form in recent matches

KL Rahul’s journey in international cricket has hit some rough patches in recent times. Moreover, after missing out on a ticket to the T20 World Cup 2024, Rahul has been under immense scrutiny. The decision to not draft Rahul into the main squad comes at the back of a lacklustre performance in the ongoing IPL. Rahul has scored 460 runs so far at a meagre strike rate of 136.09 which as an opener is a huge area of concern.

To cover this 🙃🙃 pic.twitter.com/ZZX7o0YXOe

— प्रियंवदा 🇮🇳🚩 (@Priyamvada227s) May 14, 2024

Nevertheless, things have pacified on both ends after that controversy. Recently Sanjeev Goenka and KL Rahul shook hands and shared a cordial dinner to put an end to all the controversies. Moreover, assistant coach Lance Klusener is sure that Rahul will be playing a detrimental role if LSG are to qualify for this year’s playoffs.