LSG Owner Sanjiv Goenka Responds to Rumors of Rohit Sharma’s INR 50 Crore Move

Owner of the Lucknow Super Giants Sanjiv Goenka revealed on Wednesday that former Indian fast-bowling great Zaheer Khan will take on the role of team mentor. In the previous IPL season, the Super Giants came very close to missing out on a post-season berth, and their campaign ended in disarray due to rumors of a falling out between captain KL Rahul and player Virat Kohli. Rumors of internal strife were stoked by an on-field talk between the two during which Goenka seemed clearly irritated following a defeat.

While KL Rahul’s future with the team is still up in the air. There has been a lot of speculation in recent weeks around possible retentions and the next big auction. India’s T20 World Cup-winning skipper Rohit Sharma is another well-known figure connected to a transfer. The veteran Mumbai Indians player had a turbulent few months leading up to the IPL, as MI controversially appointed Hardik Pandya as captain in place of him. There was a great deal of opposition to the decision at the stadiums and on social media.

Read More: Zaheer Khan to Join LSG as Team Mentor for IPL 2025

Did LSG put 50 crore for Rohit?

One especially shocking allegation that went around suggesting that the Lucknow Super Giants had put aside INR 50 crore in budget to recruit Rohit was one of the many rumors that were circulating. The rumor attracted a lot of attention since it was thought to be ridiculous. In an interview with SportsTak, Goenka was asked about it and couldn’t help but laugh at the idea.

Goenka made it clear that setting aside such a large quantity of money for a single player was impractical. Especially given the franchise’s focus on developing a competitive squad from the ground up. Even if he acknowledged that any club would benefit from having a player and captain of Rohit Sharma’s caliber.

“Are you even aware that Rohit Sharma is participating in the auction? All of this is superfluous. Everything hinges on if Rohit Sharma is released by the Mumbai Indians. And even if Rohit shows up for the auction. How will you purchase additional plays if you stake half of your bankroll on one player? stated Goenka.

Rumors around KL Rahul Retention

“Everyone wants to have the best players and captain.” It’s not a desire issue. Everything is dependent upon what you have, what is accessible, and what you can accomplish with it. Every franchise will have a same goal.

In the midst of rumors over Rahul’s future with the squad, the LSG owner discussed his relationship with the player and referred to him as “an integral part of the franchise”. Goenka, though, said nothing about holding onto players or selecting a captain for the upcoming IPL season.

“Look, over the past three years, I have been seeing KL on a regular basis. I’m a little shocked by how much attention this meeting received. Declaring Zaheer Khan to be their team mentor, Goenka informed reporters, “As I’ve said, we haven’t taken any calls until the retention rules are out.”