Sanjiv Goenka on KL Rahul : Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka described KL Rahul as an 'integral part of the franchise' amid speculations over his future in the team but did not give any clear answer on retention of players and captaincy for the next IPL season.

Goenka's argument with Rahul after the crushing defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad was one of the talking points of the IPL last season. On Monday, Rahul met the team owner in Kolkata and expressed his desire to stay in the team. Months ago, after a video of the discussion between the two surfaced, speculation had increased whether the batsman would want to remain in the franchise.

KL Rahul is part of the family- Sanjiv Goenka

Introducing Zaheer as the team's mentor, Goenka told reporters, "Look, I have been meeting KL regularly for the last three years. I am surprised that this meeting got so much attention. As I said, we have not taken any decision till the retention rules are released. But KL has been an integral and important part of the LSG family from the beginning. He has played a very important role. He is like family and will remain family."

It is not certain that KL Rahul will become the captain

When asked about retaining players and captaincy, Goenka said that they have not yet reached any decision and are waiting for the BCCI to issue the retention rules. We have the whole of September, October, and November to decide on this. Let the policies come out. We have not even thought about the future team, whether the retention will be of three-four-five or six players, we have no information. There is still a lot of time for this, so it would be hasty. First, let the BCCI announce the policy, and then it will be discussed. "It is clear from this that the team does not have full confidence in KL Rahul's captaincy.