KL Rahul’s return to the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday was anything but routine. The former Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain came back not in blue and gold, but wearing the Delhi Capitals (DC) jersey—a shift that carried with it not just tactical implications but emotional undertones that were hard to ignore.
In the lead-up to this IPL 2025 fixture between DC and LSG, one subplot stood out—the tense relationship between Rahul and LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka. From leading the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise for three years (2022–2024), Rahul abruptly exited LSG ahead of the 2025 season. While his official reason pointed to a desire for “freedom” and a “more relaxed dressing room environment,” a video from IPL 2024 suggested deeper cracks. The now-viral footage showed Goenka in a visibly animated exchange with Rahul following a crushing LSG defeat to SunRisers Hyderabad, prompting speculation of a fallout.
In the IPL 2025 auction, Rahul was picked up by Delhi Capitals, and in his very first face-off against his former team, the tension was palpable. Rahul played a composed, unbeaten knock of 57 off 44 balls, anchoring Delhi’s eight-wicket victory over Lucknow in a dominant fashion. But the cricket wasn’t the only thing grabbing headlines. After the game, Rahul and Goenka came face to face in a brief post-match interaction. A hurried, emotionless handshake between the two quickly drew attention. Goenka seemed to say something to Rahul, but the DC batter offered little more than a nod and moved on. The moment, captured on camera, quickly went viral.
Adding to the intrigue, India batter Hanuma Vihari took to social media and posted a cryptic two-word note: "Cold hand-shake", which many believe was directed at the Rahul-Goenka moment. Despite the awkwardness, the milestone for Rahul couldn’t be ignored. With his innings of 57*, Rahul became the fastest batter in IPL history to reach 5000 runs, achieving the feat in just 130 innings. He surpassed the likes of David Warner (135), Virat Kohli (157), AB de Villiers (161), and Shikhar Dhawan (168)—a testament to his consistency and class in the league.
Interestingly, in the aftermath of the match and the handshake, Sanjiv Goenka addressed his feelings about Rahul during a conversation on the TRS Podcast. He emphasized that, regardless of what has transpired, he holds no ill will towards the cricketer. “KL Rahul has always been family for me and he will remain that way. He captained Lucknow for three years and showed great results during his tenure. I genuinely wish for his good, no matter what happens,” Goenka said.
Referring to Rahul as a “shareef insaan” (a decent person), Goenka added, “He is very honest, very talented, and I wish that he displays his talent to the world. My best wishes are always with him.” While the words are kind, the visual from the match painted a different picture—one of tension, discomfort, and unresolved emotions. Whether the rift between the two has truly healed remains a topic for speculation, but the moment served as a reminder of the human stories that run parallel to cricket’s stats and scorecards.
As the IPL season continues, all eyes will remain on KL Rahul—both for his performances and for the drama that often surrounds one of the league's most prolific players. Next up, Delhi Capitals will look to ride the momentum with Rahul at the helm, while Lucknow Super Giants will need to regroup as the league stage intensifies. For Rahul, the bat is doing the talking—and making history in the process.
