'Rs 5000 lagakar dekho': Mohammed Shami on Sanjiv Goenka's viral boundary talks with KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant
LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka's interactions with captains after defeats have sparked debate. However, pacer Mohammed Shami defended Goenka, stating he is passionate about cricket and his high expectations are justified due to his significant investment in the team. Shami emphasized Goenka's logical communication and positive player interactions.
NEW DELHI: The visuals of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka speaking to his former captain KL Rahul at the boundary ropes during IPL 2024, and then to current captain Rishabh Pant in IPL 2025 after defeats, have gone viral and have not gone down well with fans. There has been considerable chatter among cricket followers regarding Goenka’s strict approach, with many believing he demands strong results from his team. However, LSG's star pacer Mohammed Shami has defended the owner, saying Goenka is passionate about cricket and communicates well with players.
Shami, who is set to feature in his first match in LSG colours against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, said it is natural for someone who invests heavily in a team to have high expectations. "Jitni meri mulaqat hui hai, 2-3 mulaqat unse hui hai abhi tak. Bahut achhe tareeke se unhone baat ki hai, logic par baat ki hai, team ko lekar baat ki hai.
Aur dekho, koi bhi insaan ho — jab aap par itna invest karta hai apni team banane ke liye, itna bada amount bharta hai, to uska expectation high hona to ek normal si baat hai. Wo jaayaz bhi hai [I’ve met him a few times — around two or three times so far. He has always spoken very well, very logically, and the conversations have been around the team.
Look, anyone who invests so much money into building a team will naturally have high expectations. That’s completely normal, and it’s justified]," Shami said in a podcast with Shubhankar Mishra. LSG made it to the playoffs in their first two seasons in 2022 and 2023, but endured disappointing campaigns in 2024 and 2025, failing to qualify for the playoffs.
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