After Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were defeated by Delhi Capitals (DC) in a nail-biting finish, Sanjiv Goenka, the franchise owner, was seen addressing the players in the dressing room to uplift their spirits. LSG had been in a strong position, having sent half of DC’s team packing while defending a challenging total of 209.
However, late contributions from Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, and a fiery finish from Ashutosh Sharma saw DC pull off a thrilling one-wicket win with three balls remaining. Goenka acknowledged the disappointment of the result but highlighted several positives from the game, especially in batting and bowling.
Speaking to the players, Goenka said, “Lots of positives that I take away from this game in batting, in bowling. The way he had the powerplay in both batting and bowling was brilliant. These things happen. We are a young team, let’s look at the positives, look forward, from tomorrow, to the 27th. And hopefully, we’ll have a better result. Disappointing result [tonight], yes. But, great game. So well done,”
LSG to face inform SRH
During the dressing room speech Sanjiv Goenka urged the team to stay optimistic and look forward to their next match, scheduled for March 27 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
The previous encounter between both teams happened in IPL 2024 where SRH demolished LSG. Despite posting a modest 165/4, LSG bowlers were sent for leather hunt by SRH’s opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. The pair smashed 14 sixes and 16 fours to chase down the target of 166 in just 9.4 overs. Abhishek’s blistering 75 off 28 balls and Head’s quickfire 89 off 30 balls left LSG with little chance.
This defeat was a major blow to LSG’s net run rate (NRR), which ultimately played a key role in them missing out on the playoffs for the first time. In the aftermath of that loss, Goenka was visibly upset with then-captain KL Rahul. The video of his animated conversation with Rahul went viral on social media, and shortly after, Rahul parted ways with LSG, joining DC ahead of the mega auction.
