Sanjiv Goenka Speaks Out on MS Dhoni's Captaincy Sacking: Logical or Illogical?

New Delhi: Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of Lucknow Super Giants, has been making headlines recently for his bold statements in the world of cricket. Following his public criticism of KL Rahul during IPL 2024, LSG has now secured Rishabh Pant in a record-breaking deal worth Rs 27 crore in the mega auction. In a recent podcast, Goenka has made a significant statement regarding India's legendary former captain, MS Dhoni.

“Whatever happened, happened with a clear dialogue. We share a very close and warm relationship. The decision can be correct or wrong; only time tells that, but was it logical or illogical? That is a point that matters. Why did you take the decision? That is the perspective. Every interaction with Mahi (MS Dhoni), I learn something. A few days ago we met somewhere; he was explaining to my son Shashwat that you can learn this and do this in your business,” Goenka said.

The decision almost paid off for RPSG as they reached the final in 2017 under Smith’s captaincy where they lost a last-ball thriller by one run to the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Hyderabad.

Goenka was all praise for Dhoni and claimed he has never seen a leader like him while giving the example of CSK unearthing Matheesha Pathirana. The LSG owner recalled a tale of how Dhoni spent time with his grandson and spent half and hour with him.

“I’ve never seen a leader like MS Dhoni. His thinking, attitude and way of approach, it’s crazy how even to this day he keeps reinventing himself even at this age and motivating his team. Just look at Pathirana (Matheesha), a baby bowler. Don’t know where Dhoni saw him and now groomed him into a lethal match-winner. He (Dhoni) knows when and how to use his players. Whenever I interact with him (Dhoni), I have learnt something,” said Goenka.

“I have an 11-year-old grandson who is crazy about cricket. Dhoni in my home taught him how to play cricket, some 5-6 years ago. He constantly asked him questions and I told my grandson ‘Leave him now’. Dhoni replied ‘Let it be, I am enjoying this conversation’ – Dhoni went on to have a conversation with him for half an hour. This human quality with a kid where he spent so much time for a kid. It makes you learn how to speak with others and that is why he is Dhoni,” he added.