LSG Owner Sanjiv Goenka's On-Camera Outburst At KL Rahul: Just Emotion Or Reflection Of Broader Toxic Culture?

"It's the owner's call...they spend the money," Ravi Shastri's comments on Mumbai Indians captaincy change seems more profound today, after what played out on Indian national television on Wednesday night. Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv  Goenka's verbally bashing his IPL team's skipper KL Rahul, following a 10-wicket thrashing by SunRisers Hyderabad, is a scene that is being replayed ever since.  It was the biggest loss in IPL history as SRH chased down a 166-run target in just 58 balls. With 62 balls remaining in the innings it is the most dominating win in IPL, in terms of balls to spare (100+ targets). Naturally, Goenka, a very successful industrialist and also the co-owner of ISL runner-up Mohun Bagan Super Giant, was not a happy man.

In 2021, Goenka had bid over Rs 7000 crore to buy LSG franchise in IPL. According to several reports, Goenka will pay BCCI a franchise of Rs 7090 crore over 10 years. With him ready to shell out such a large amount of money, the attachment that Goenka has with the team is very apparent. His franchise has done well too in the past, reaching the playoffs in its first two years under KL Rahul's captaincy.

This year, however, things seemed to be different. Though playoffs hopes are not lost, LSG are in a tricky spot. The team is sixth among 10 teams.

Their 10-wicket thrashing to SRH has added to the woes. And it seemed, it was too much for Goenka to handle. Throughout the match, Goenka could be seen following the match quite closely. Following the loss, however, emotion seemed to take control. Even the broadcaster could not help but term the interaction between Goenka and Rahul as "animated reaction from LSG camp". Even LSG coach and Australia great Justin Langer was not spared either,