Mohammed Shami Gives Blunt Verdict On LSG Owner Sanjiv Goenka Ahead Of IPL 2026: "Rs 5,000 Lagakar Dekho"

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has been at the centre of a number of viral moments during his tenure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with his heated interaction with former captain KL Rahul in 2024 still fresh in the memory of fans. To make matters worse, LSG have endured two underwhelming seasons in a row, finishing seventh in both 2024 and 2025. However, veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami, who has been traded in by LSG for Rs 10 crore, said that Goenka's reactions are valid given the massive amount he has invested into the franchise.

"Whoever it may be, when they invest such a huge amount on you, having high expectations is normal," said Shami on the 'Unplugged' podcast, when asked about Goenka.

"So there's nothing wrong if Goenka ji is possessive about it. If he expects his players to perform and deliver their best, there is no harm in that," he added.

Shami explained further by saying anybody would be nervous if they invest even Rs 5,000, let alone the enormous amount Goenka has in LSG. Goenka purchased Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 7,090 crore.

"Bahut saare meme bhi bane hain, bahut saari cheezein bani hain jo sahi nahi hain. Kyunki aap kisi normal insaan ko lekar aao - 5,000 rupaye lagakar dekho kisi cheez mein, 10 baar dil dhadakta hai ki, 'mere 5,000 na chale jaayein, mere 10,000 na chale jaayein' (There are many memes and things going around that aren't right. If you take a normal person - even if they invest Rs 5,000 in something, their heart skips a beat thinking, 'What if I lose Rs 5,000 or Rs 10,000')," Shami elaborated.

The 35-year-old pacer stated that he maintains a cordial relationship with Goenka.

"The two or three times I've spoken to him so far, he has spoken very well, with logic, and the conversations have been around the team. I have really enjoyed speaking to him in the little I've done so far," Shami said.

Shami will have the responsibility to lead an otherwise inexperienced but talented Indian pace attack at LSG in IPL 2025, featuring the likes of Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Naman Tiwari and Prince Yadav.

Topics mentioned in this article

Lucknow Super Giants IPL 2026 Cricket Sanjiv Goenka Mohammad Shami