Suniel Shetty Opens Up on KL Rahul's Reaction to Viral IPL Confrontation with Sanjiv Goenka
Veteran Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has recently shed light on the highly publicized 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) incident involving his son-in-law, cricketer KL Rahul, and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka. In a candid interview, Shetty revealed that the cricketer never discussed the heated on-field exchange with his family, while also expressing immense pride in Rahul's achievements representing India.
The Viral IPL Clash That Captured National Attention
The controversy erupted during the 2024 IPL season when cameras captured a visibly intense discussion between KL Rahul, then captain of LSG, and franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka following a heavy 10-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The public nature of the argument sparked widespread debate across social media platforms and cricket circles, with many criticizing Goenka's approach to addressing team performance matters in such a visible manner.
Family Silence and Speculation About Goenka's State of Mind
During his conversation with Lehren Retro, Suniel Shetty disclosed that despite the incident generating significant public sympathy for Rahul, the cricketer maintained complete silence about it within family circles. "He never said a word till date. He has never talked about it, we never discussed that at home," Shetty revealed, highlighting Rahul's dignified response to the controversy.
The veteran actor offered a charitable perspective on Goenka's behavior during that period, suggesting "Maybe, Sanjeev ji was going through something in his life at that period and that's how we saw it." This remark indicates the family's attempt to contextualize the incident rather than dwell on its negative aspects.
The Emotional Impact and Public Reaction
Shetty acknowledged that the public nature of the confrontation did affect Rahul emotionally, stating "Of course, it hurt him, because the world is seeing." He noted how the incident triggered widespread commentary and judgment from cricket fans and analysts alike, though he emphasized that such reactions demonstrated the public's affection for Rahul rather than reflecting the family's own views on the matter.
The actor expressed appreciation for the support Rahul received following the incident, noting "People feel that way about him and he is aware of that, he has got all the love and sympathy."
Suniel Shetty's Unique Approach to Watching Rahul's Matches
In a revealing aside, Shetty shared his personal ritual when it comes to watching his son-in-law play cricket. Despite being an ardent cricket fan, the actor admitted he avoids watching matches live when Rahul is playing due to anxiety. "I watch all the matches but I never watch when Rahul is playing," he confessed, adding that he typically views only the highlights afterward.
Shetty elaborated on this unusual practice, explaining "I don't know if it's superstition or I get anxious, it's maybe because of that. I don't see Rahul playing on the field, absolutely don't. I watch him later in highlights, for sure."
Pride Beyond Cricket Performance
Beyond match outcomes and individual performances, Suniel Shetty emphasized that the family's primary pride stems from Rahul's role as an Indian representative. "The biggest high for me is Rahul representing the country itself," he stated, adding that whether Rahul serves as captain, vice-captain, or contributes to India's victories, the honor of national representation remains paramount.
Shetty further praised Rahul's character, noting "for all of us, it's about him representing the country and his personality."
Aftermath of the Controversy and Career Developments
The 2024 incident had tangible consequences for KL Rahul's IPL career. Following widespread criticism of the on-field confrontation, LSG did not retain Rahul for the 2025 season, ending his tenure with the franchise that began in 2022. The cricketer subsequently joined Delhi Capitals, where he continued his professional journey.
In a telling moment during April 2025, after leading Delhi Capitals to victory against his former team LSG, Rahul was observed avoiding a handshake with Sanjiv Goenka, who had approached to congratulate him on the win. This subtle interaction suggested lingering tensions from their previous public disagreement.
Personal Life and Family Milestones
KL Rahul married Suniel Shetty's daughter, actress Athiya Shetty, in January 2023. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Evaarah, in March 2025, adding a new chapter to their personal lives alongside Rahul's professional cricket career.
Throughout the interview, Suniel Shetty's comments reflected a family approach that prioritizes dignity, privacy, and understanding—even in the face of very public controversies that attract nationwide scrutiny in India's cricket-obsessed culture.
