Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
Lucknow IPL franchise on Monday revealed their official name as 'Lucknow Super Giants' in style; the team's owner and chairman of RPSG group Sanjiv Goenka himself unveiled the same via a video message posted from the official Twitter handle of the franchise. In his recorded message, Mr Goenka thanked lakhs of fans for their overwhelming response to the #NaamBataoNaamKamao campaign introduced by the franchise seeking suggestions for the official title of the franchise.
The franchise had earlier picked India's limited over vice-captain KL Rahul, Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi as their draft pick. Minutes after the official name was revealed, team's owner Mr Saniv Goenka, mentor Gautam Gambhir and skipper KL Rahul appeared on Bakctsage with Boria and discussed a wide range of subjects related to the Lucknow franchise.
While commenting on opting for KL Rahul as the skipper of the franchise, Mr Goenka revealed that Rahul has traits of being a potential leader and has already established himself as a skilled batsman. "Rahul is extremely fit and has shown a lot of potential. He has excellent prospects to lead the national squad in future. And we wanted someone who could stay with the franchise for good six to eight years," he concluded.
Sanjiv Goenka explains why Lucknow picked Stoinis and Bishnoi
The Lucknow franchise earlier surprised everyone by picking Marcus Stonis and Ravi Bishnoi as their other two draft picks, despite having a wide range of players available. The chairman of the RPSG group also cleared doubts over picking two players in the franchise.
According to him, the management of the franchise always wanted players who have expertise in at least two departments. "Like Rahul is a great batsman but also a good wicket-keeper. Similarly, Marcus Stonis is an excellent bowler and exceptional fielder who can also finish the game in style. Whereas Ravi Bishnoi is a two-dimensional player. His spin can make batters run for their money while he comes with an excellent pair of hands while fielding.
Adding further, Mr Goenka credited franchise mentor Gautam Gambhir for suggesting that he pick two uncapped players in the draft as it will help him go in the mega auction with more budget in hand. "I never considered this aspect before Gambhir brought it to me," said the chairman.
You want to get 3 pillars sorted: KL Rahul
Lucknow Super Giants Captain Rahul also explained the reasoning behind the team picking Marcus Stoinis and Ravi Bishnoi. “The idea behind (picking) Stoinis and Bishnoi is very simple. When you are trying to get three retentions, you want to get three pillars sorted. You have an opening batter in me, you have an all-rounder in Stoinis, who can bat No. 5-6. We’ve seen that in Big Bash, he has opened as well. He’s a very flexible player. He gives you a sixth bowling option as well,” Rahul stated on Backstage With Boria.
