Table of Contents
KL Rahul’s LSG Owner Clash made headlines when he was left out of the starting lineup for the Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2025 match against the Lucknow SuperGiants in Vizag. Rahul, playing for Delhi in Lucknow on Tuesday, scored a heartfelt innings to help his team win.
But his performance was overshadowed by his icy encounter with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka and son Shashwat Goenka, which sparked heated discussion on social media.
KL Rahul created a calm innings by drawing on his three seasons with the Super Giants, where he was familiar with the conditions in Lucknow before his departure due to an altercation with his LSG owner. With 13 balls remaining, he led the Delhi Capitals to chase 160, hitting his third fifty with an undefeated 57 off 42.
Rahul’s milestone knock amid the LSG fallout drama was cemented when he became the fastest batter in IPL history to reach 5000 runs, surpassing David Warner’s record by five runs in 130 innings.
Rahul’s LSG Owner Clash began when Sanjiv Goenka congratulated him on the field after the game. Goenka praised Rahul’s outstanding innings as they briefly shook hands. Rahul, on the other hand, ignored him, avoiding conversation and leaving.
In a similar vein, he disregarded Shashwat, Goenka’s son, who followed his father. Visibly disinterested, Rahul dismissed the LSG father-son team’s attempts to interact, highlighting Rahul’s Cold Response to Goenka’s Post-Match Gesture.
KL Rahul’s LSG Owner Clash was hinted at in a Star Sports interview when Sanjiv Goenka made a subtle jab at Rahul, highlighting his preference for players who put the success of the team before their own goals.
“We aimed to pick players with a winning mindset, putting the team above personal goals and aspirations, while retaining our core group,” Goenka stated, reflecting LSG’s Team-First Philosophy and fueling Goenka’s Veiled Criticism of Rahul.
In response to Goenka’s comments, KL Rahul discussed the tension from Rahul’s LSG Owner Clash in a different Star Sports interview. He emphasized his focus on finding a positive team environment and defended Rahul’s freedom-seeking move by stating that he wants to play for a team that gives him freedom and creates a supportive environment.
KL Rahul clarified his position in an interview with Star Sports in November, prior to the IPL 2025 mega auction, regarding Rahul’s LSG Owner Clash. “The choice was made. Their remarks, which were probably made after retentions, are unknown to me. I required a new beginning, freedom to consider my options, and a lighter, more balanced team environment. He emphasized Rahul’s Fresh Start and stated, “I want a team that feels balanced because IPL pressure is already intense.”
Delhi’s stunning run continues
The Delhi Capitals have won six of their first eight games for the fifth time in IPL history, which is the team’s strongest IPL start since 2021. They demonstrated Delhi’s playoff consistency by making it to the Play-Offs in each of their four previous appearances.
Before the Mumbai Indians ended their winning run at home, DC began the 2025 Indian Premier League with four consecutive wins.
After a thrilling Super Over victory over the Rajasthan Royals at Arun Jaitley Stadium, they suffered their second defeat at the hands of the Gujarat Titans.
After defeating the Lucknow Super Giants twice on Tuesday, DC secured their sixth victory and moved up to second place in the standings, tied with the Gujarat Titans’ six victories but behind them because of a lower net run rate.
