Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka has hailed Gautam Gambhir role as a mentor. Gambhir served as LSG’s mentor in IPL 2022 and 2023 and played a key role in the success of the team. LSG was able to qualify for the playoffs in both of these editions under Gambhir’s tutelage.

Goenka recalled that they didn’t have an analyst or research team and the whole onus was on Gambhir to get the best out of the players. After his stint with LSG, Gambhir moved to Kolkata Knight Riders and helped the Shreyas Iyer-led team win the IPL 2024 title.

Sanjiv Goenka said as quoted by Hindustan Times, “Gautam has played a significant role in building the side’s foundation. If you consider our first auction successful, it is only because of Gautam. We got the franchise barely two weeks before the auctions. We did not have an analyst or a research team. It was all Gautam Gambhir’s team. He did everything and put together a very balanced team.

Goenka lauded Gambhir for playing his part with the franchise.

“Everyone has specific roles, and Gautam played his part exceptionally well,” the Lucknow Super Giants owner added.

On the other hand, Sanjiv Goenka also shed light on his equation with skipper KL Rahul, stating that the wicket-keeper bat is an integral part of the team and thus squashing any doubts over his retention.

“I have been meeting KL on and off regularly over the last three years. Frankly I am surprised this meeting is getting a lot of attention [in the media]. He is integral (to LSG).

“He has been here since the inception. For me personally and for (my son) Shashwat Goenka, (who is also involved in running LSG), he is like family.”

IPL 2025 mega auction is expected to take place in December.