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Lucknow
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) assistant coach Lance Klusener has provided the first official communication from the franchise after owner Sanjiv Goenka was caught on camera, having a go at captain KL Rahul. Klusener on Monday (May 13), played down the controversy, saying Goenka's outburst was nothing more than a "robust discussion between two cricket lovers".
The incident took place after SunRisers Hyderabad mauled LSG last week by chasing a 166-run target in under 10 overs. After the match, Goenka could be seen giving an earful to Rahul who somehow kept his composure.
"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," Klusener told media during the pre-match conference.
While the former South African cricketer attempted to neutralise the situation, social media has been brewing with anger against Goenka.
Fans commented that keeping the captain accountable was the owner's job but the way it was done could have been avoided. Many suggested that Goenka could have talked to Rahul in a docile manner by sitting across the table in a room.
No change in captaincy
Klusener sympathised with Rahul and quashed the rumours suggesting that LSG ownership was mulling the proposal to remove him as the captain.
"Certainly no discussions around that (captaincy)," said Klusener, adding: "KL has got his own unique style which has made him a fantastic player and respected around the world. I think this IPL has been exceptionally tough for him because we've kept losing wickets at stages which hasn't allowed him to kick on where he likes. He probably feels like he's always having to rebuild."
"Probably (he) would have liked to have at least one or two hundreds that haven't worked out for him. But there's still a couple of games left. He's in a good space. So, we've got our fingers crossed again for him."
LSG are currently at the seventh spot with 12 points but have a poor Net Run Rate (NRR); i.e. -0.769. They have two more games to play -- both away encounters versus Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI). Any slip-up and the team may have to bid adieu to its hopes of qualifying for the playoffs.
(With inputs from agencies)