KL Rahul’s Cold Handshake With Sanjiv Goenka Goes Viral, Confirms Tense Past

Former LSG captain KL Rahul’s awkward reunion with franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka after DC’s win reignites talk of their 2024 fallout. Goenka later calls Rahul “a shareef insaan”.

New Delhi | April 23, 2025 –
KL Rahul’s return to Lucknow on Tuesday wasn’t just about cricket—it was about closure, controversy, and a moment caught on camera that’s now breaking the internet.

Following Delhi Capitals’ commanding eight-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), KL Rahul—who played a match-winning knock of 57 off 44 balls*—walked past his former team’s owner Sanjiv Goenka with what fans are calling a “cold handshake.”

The brief, awkward interaction between the two—captured on camera—sparked speculation about unresolved tension. Goenka appeared to say something, but Rahul offered only a polite yet distant gesture and moved on. The video has since gone viral, with India batter Hanuma Vihari even posting a cryptic comment on X: “Cold hand-shake”.

Rahul’s IPL journey came full circle as he became the fastest player to reach 5000 runs in the league, achieving the milestone in just 130 innings, overtaking David Warner (135), Virat Kohli (157), and AB de Villiers (161).

Backstory: The 2024 Fallout

Rahul captained the Goenka-owned LSG from 2022 to 2024, before parting ways with the franchise. Though officially citing the need for a “more relaxed dressing room,” rumours swirled after a video surfaced in 2024 showing Goenka animatedly confronting Rahul post a loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The viral moment sparked widespread debate about the owner’s influence over team decisions.

Goenka Responds: “KL Will Always Be Family”

Despite the icy moment, Sanjiv Goenka struck a softer tone in a recent podcast appearance on The Ranveer Show (TRS).

“KL Rahul has always been family for me and he will remain that way. He captained Lucknow for three years and showed great results. I genuinely wish him well,” said Goenka.

“Shareef insaan hai. He’s very honest and talented. I wish that the world sees his full potential. My best wishes are always with him.”

While the public interaction remains a talking point, Goenka’s remarks suggest no hard feelings—at least from his side.

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KL Rahul, Sanjiv Goenka, LSG vs DC, IPL 2025, Delhi Capitals, IPL viral video, cricket controversy, IPL milestones, KL Rahul 5000 runs, Goenka Rahul fallout