Watch| KL Rahul's 'Cold Handshake' with LSG Owner Sanjiv Goenka Goes Viral

KL Rahul's return to Lucknow Super Giants' home ground on Tuesday wasn't merely another game on the IPL schedule—it was loaded with unresolved tension and a rich backstory. Rahul was captain of the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise between 2022 and 2024, but before the 2025 season, he suddenly left.

Though Rahul quoted his wish to "play with more freedom" and be part of a "relaxed dressing room," the rumour mill had another explanation—one that grew stronger after a viral IPL 2024 clip showed Goenka in a clearly heated exchange with Rahul after a thumping loss to SunRisers Hyderabad.

Following his split with LSG, Rahul was acquired by Delhi Capitals in the 2025 IPL auction. On Tuesday, the two—Rahul and Goenka—met again in what was supposed to be an emotional reunion. But instead, the meeting proved to be cold and awkward. Having led DC to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over LSG with a composed and calculated 57* off 44 balls, Rahul seemed to shun eye contact with Goenka during a brief, awkward handshake. Though the industrialist appeared to try a quick exchange, Rahul did not pause to hear him out.

The encounter did not go unnoticed. Indian batsman Hanuma Vihari contributed to the mystery by posting a cryptic tweet: "Cold hand-shake", apparently referring to the cold exchange.

In the midst of all this, Rahul made history in IPL books by becoming the quickest player to score 5,000 runs in the competition. He did so in only 130 innings—beating the likes of David Warner (135), Virat Kohli (157), AB de Villiers (161), and Shikhar Dhawan (168).

After the on-field incident, Sanjiv Goenka broke his silence only after that. Appearing on the TRS podcast, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka heaped praise and respect on Rahul. "KL Rahul has been like family to me and will always be," said Goenka, looking back upon Rahul's three-year stint as captain. "He is a shareef insaan (a good man), an extremely honest person, and an extremely talented person. I truly wish him nothing but the best."

Whether or not the two make up in the future is uncertain, but for the time being, their tale is an intriguing blend of professional success, personal detachment, and public fascination.