Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 10-wicket thumping of the Lucknow Super Giants, coupled with the controversies that surrounded the outcome, meant that the match ended bitterly for the latter team. Following the game, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was observed yelling at skipper KL Rahul, appearing to be upset with the outcome. In just 9.4 overs, SRH managed to chase down the 166-run mark, creating a new IPL record for the fastest run chase (goal min. 100).
The exchange happened on the pitch, and KL Rahul’s sorry-looking facial expressions gave the impression that Goenka was venting his frustration about the team’s terrible performance. The internet wasn’t too happy with what they saw. Goenka’s outburst at his skipper in front of the cameras was widely chastised, and Mohammed Shami, India’s top pacer who is presently recovering from an injury, also backed his teammate after the event.
In an interview with Cricbuzz, Shami described in great detail how Goenka betrayed Rahul’s dignity, calling it a “shame.”
“Players treat you with respect, and as an owner, you deserve respect in return. A lot of people are observing you and picking up tips from you. Should these incidents transpire before cameras, then ye sharam ki baat hai. It’s a shame,” Shami remarked.
If that is what you must do, there are other options. The same thing could have been done in the hotel or in the changing area. It was not required to be completed on the pitch. The India star went on, “It’s not like you raised a flag at Red Fort by doing this. Aise reaction dekar laal qile pe jhanda toh gaada nahi hai aapne.”
Shami supported Rahul even further, saying that anything can happen in sports and that it’s inappropriate to publicly criticise your captain.
He’s not just any player; he’s the captain as well. It’s a team game, so it doesn’t really matter if the plan doesn’t work out. In the game, everything is possible. I know that players have good and terrible days, but there’s a method to communicate and everyone is treated with respect. This conveys a really misleading message, remarked Shami.
The Super Giants’ path to the playoffs has become a little more difficult after the loss to SRH. With six wins and as many losses, the team is currently sixth in the standings and will have to contend with formidable opponents like the Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and even the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have won four straight games.
