• Source:JND
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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka ended his silence on the rumours about KL Rahul's future with the team, making a statement on Wednesday, just a day after meeting with the Indian wicketkeeper-batter at his Kolkata office.

Earlier, a video of Sanjiv Goenka and KL Rahul's intense discussion in the LSG dugout during IPL 2024 went viral, leading to widespread criticism of Goenka's behaviour. The incident raised doubts about Rahul's willingness to continue with the team, but Goenka later characterized the exchange as a "frank discussion" and invited Rahul to dinner, suggesting a resolution to the matter.

Despite Goenka's efforts to clarify the situation, rumours continued to circulate that his relationship with KL Rahul had soured, making it unlikely for the Indian wicketkeeper-batter to be retained by LSG for the 2025 IPL season. Moreover, a report by Dainik Jagran hinted that Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rahul's former franchise, were keen on bringing him back, adding to the speculation surrounding his future.

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Sanjiv Goenka finally spoke out about the rumours surrounding KL Rahul's future with LSG, but his comments only added to the intrigue, leaving the possibility of Rahul's retention hanging in the balance.

"I don’t want to comment on speculation. All I will say is KL Rahul is family," he was quoted by Revsportz on Wednesday.

"Still enough time to decide on retention and captaincy. Everything has to be very well thought out, KL Rahul is an important and integral part of the Supergiants family," he added. 

On Monday, PTI reported that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) had not made a commitment to retain KL Rahul, despite the Indian batter's desire to stay with the franchise, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to announce the rules for the upcoming auction, leaving Rahul's future uncertain.

"Yes, Rahul came to Kolkata and met Dr Goenka at RPG head office. He has clearly told Dr Goenka that he wants to be retained. However, till BCCI comes up with retention policy, LSG management wouldn't want to chalk out their plans," an IPL Governing Council member, privy to developments in LSG, told PTI.

"Look, Rahul wants retention but till LSG knows how many are to be retained and what's the new purse, they can't commit anyone," the IPL source said.