LSG Owner Sanjiv Goenka’s Viral Hug Celebrates Thrilling Last-Ball Win Over KKR
It was a night of high drama at Eden Gardens as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) executed a thrilling last-ball chase to defeat the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). While the on-field action kept fans on the edge of their seats, the defining moment occurred after the final delivery when LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka embraced his young match-winner in a gesture that quickly went viral across social media platforms.
A Sensational Run Chase
Chasing a challenging target of 182, LSG found themselves in a precarious position at 128/7 by the end of the 16th over. Despite a fluent 54 from Ayush Badoni, the required run rate had escalated significantly. The momentum shifted when 21-year-old rookie Mukul Choudhary unleashed a fearless counterattack, smashing seven sixes to finish unbeaten on 54 from just 27 balls.
Match Summary: LSG vs KKR
| Team | Innings Score | Top Performers |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 181/4 (20 Overs) | Angkrish Raghuvanshi (45), Shreyas Iyer (41) |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 182/7 (20 Overs) | Mukul Choudhary (54*), Ayush Badoni (54) |
Entering only his third match in the Indian Premier League, the uncapped batter scored 52 runs off his final 19 deliveries, dragging the contest to the wire. With one run required off the last ball, LSG scrambled a bye to secure a vital three-wicket victory.
- Target: 182 runs
- LSG Position at 16 overs: 128/7
- Winning Runs: 1 bye on the final delivery
The Viral Post-Match Moment
As the LSG players returned to the dugout, television cameras captured Goenka walking onto the field. Visibly moved by the dramatic finish, the franchise owner cupped the young player’s face and offered a warm hug. This public display of support provided a stark contrast to previous high-pressure moments, emphasizing the emotional investment of franchise leadership.
“There is always pressure, but God has given us this opportunity, and I try to do what I can do,” the match-winner stated during the post-match interviews. “My plan was to play till the end. I believe in myself so much that if I stayed, I could take the team home.”
KKR’s Middle-Order Resistance
Earlier in the evening, KKR posted a competitive 181/4 on a batting-friendly Eden Gardens surface. Angkrish Raghuvanshi anchored the middle overs with a composed 45, while captain Shreyas Iyer contributed a solid 41. Power hitters Andre Russell (39 not out) and Rinku Singh (32 not out) provided the late acceleration required to push the total past the 180-run mark.
Despite early breakthroughs from fast bowler Vaibhav Arora, who attempted to contain the run flow, KKR ultimately failed to stop the late barrage of boundaries in the final four overs.
The victory marks LSG’s second consecutive win, providing critical points as they climb the league standings. For comprehensive statistics and updated tournament standings, fans can track official updates via ESPN Cricinfo and the BCCI.