The recent uproar surrounding Sanjiv Goenka’s animated exchange with KL Rahul following Lucknow Super Giants’ defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad has ignited a storm of controversy, drawing widespread criticism from fans and former cricketers alike. The incident, captured on camera, has sparked debate over the appropriateness of team owners publicly confronting players in the aftermath of a loss.
India fast bowler Mohammad Shami, currently on the sidelines due to injury, joined the chorus of disapproval, condemning Goenka’s conduct as “a matter of shame.” Expressing his dismay, Shami emphasized the need for owners to maintain decorum and respect, especially in a public setting. “Players have respect, and you are a respectful person, too, as an owner. If these things happen in front of cameras … it’s a matter of shame,” Mohammed Shami remarked during an interview with Cricbuzz.
Shami underscored the significance of addressing such matters behind closed doors, within the sanctity of the dressing room or team hotel, away from prying eyes. He suggested that Goenka could have conveyed his concerns to Rahul in a more private setting rather than on the field, where emotions run high and public scrutiny is intense.
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“If you have to do that, there are many different ways. You could’ve done the same thing in the dressing room or the hotel. It wasn’t necessary to do it on the field,” Mohammed Shami remarked, urging restraint and discretion.
Highlighting the unique position of KL Rahul as both the team’s captain and a pivotal player, Shami lamented the negative message conveyed by Goenka’s actions.
“He’s the captain, too, not a normal player. Every player has respect, and there’s a way to talk. This sends a very wrong message,” Mohammed Shami emphasized, underlining the importance of mutual respect and professionalism within the team.
Addressing the broader issue of conflicts on the field, Shami acknowledged that tempers can flare among players during intense moments of competition. However, he emphasized the distinction between player-to-player interactions and external interventions from team owners or officials.
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“A player talking to another player is different, but someone from the outside discussing something with the player is different,” Mohammed Shami observed, stressing the need to uphold the integrity and sportsmanship of the game.
Ultimately, Shami’s remarks underscore the importance of maintaining dignity and professionalism in cricket, both on and off the field, and serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with positions of authority within the sport.
