Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) suffered a devastating loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 57th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. It was a disastrous evening for LSG and their supporters, not just because of the team’s performance on the field but also due to the events that ensued afterwards. LSG endured an unprecedented thrashing in IPL history, as SRH openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma mercilessly exploited LSG’s bowling attack and chased down the target of 166 runs in just 9.4 overs.

Following the match, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was captured engaging in a heated conversation with the team’s skipper, KL Rahul. Goenka’s demeanour indicated his disappointment with the Super Giants’ dismal performance. The video of this interaction quickly went viral on various social media platforms, with most fans and sports experts criticizing Goenka for publicly admonishing the Indian cricketer.

Adding to the narrative, India’s renowned pacer Mohammed Shami, currently sidelined due to injury, expressed support for his fellow teammate in the aftermath of the incident.

Mohammed Shami slams Sanjiv Goenka and stands in solidarity with KL Rahul

During a discussion with Cricbuzz, Shami conveyed that, in his view, players deserve to be treated with respect. He pointed out that team owners, such as Goenka, occupy positions where they should show respect to players. Shami emphasized that when such incidents occur in front of cameras, they leave a negative impression not only on the individuals involved but also on the team and the league. He suggested that given the visibility of such interactions, they could influence how others perceive the team and its management. Therefore, he considered it a matter of shame for such incidents to unfold publicly.

“Players have respect, and you are a respectful person, too, as you are an owner. Many people are watching you and learning from you. If these things happen in front of camera, ye sharam ki baat hai (it’s a matter of shame),” Shami told Cricbuzz.

Shami additionally supported Rahul, asserting that unexpected outcomes are part of sports and publicly criticizing the team’s leader is unjustifiable.

“He’s the captain, too, not a normal player. It’s a team game; if the plan isn’t successful, it isn’t a big thing. Anything is possible in the game. I understand there can be good or bad days, but every player has respect, and there’s a way to talk. This sends a very wrong message,” Shami added.

Shami endorses the discussion to be in private

Shami pointed out that if the team owner desired a discussion with Rahul, it could have been held privately, either in the dressing room or at the team’s hotel. He emphasized that there was no notable accomplishment for Goenka in publicly criticizing Rahul.

“If you (Goenka) have to do that, there are many different ways. You could’ve done the same thing in the dressing room or the hotel. It wasn’t necessary to do it on the field. Aise reaction dekar laal qile pe jhanda toh gaada nahi hai aapne (It isn’t as if you hoisted a flag at Red Fort by doing this),” the 33-year-old concluded.

Also READ: IPL 2024 playoffs qualification scenarios for LSG after heavy defeat against SRH

Upcoming matches of LSG

LSG are scheduled to play against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium on May 14, followed by a match against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium on May 17. There are rumors circulating that Rahul may not lead the team in these matches. If this scenario unfolds, Nicholas Pooran could be his potential replacement as the skipper of LSG.

Also READ: KL Rahul likely to step down as LSG captain in IPL 2024 amid speculations of non-retention by Sanjiv Goenka – Reports

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