Both IPL LSG team and Indian Super League side Mohun Bagan belong to Kolkata-based conglomerate RP Sanjiv Goenka Group.
RPSG Group, which bought the Lucknow franchise following IPL’s expansion to 10 teams in 2022, is also the principal owner of Mohun Bagan, having acquired a majority stake ahead of the 2020-21 ISL season.
“It’s (Mohun Bagan) not an institution, it’s actually an emotion. His legacy represents the city of Kolkata,” the LSG team owner said. Shashwat Goenka said.
“With this in mind, we have decided that LSG will don the iconic colors of brown and green for Saturday’s game against KKR at Eden Gardens. It is our way of paying tribute to the legacy of Mohun Bagan and to our city’s heritage.
With that, LSG will be hoping to find themselves at home on Saturday, in a must-win battle for both teams’ playoff prospects.
“Not just Mohun Bagan fans, but I hope all people in Kolkata will support us. For us, Kolkata is our home. So as much support as possible is what we would ask for,” Goenka added. .
The announcement was made at RPSG House in the presence of LSG’s replacement skipper Krunal Pandya and pastry-wicket keeper Nicholas Poran.
Krunal, who was named skipper mid-season in the absence of an injury KL Rahulsaid he was looking forward to seeing Mohun Bagan in action one day.
“Yes, I know that this year we also won the trophy (ISL). I also know the team. In fact, I can’t wait to see one of the games as well.”
He further hoped that they would have more support than the home team.
“100% (we would get more support). Obviously, wherever we go, if we get more support, it will boost your confidence. I ask all Mohun Bagan fans to come on Saturday and support us. J hope we do well against KKR,” Krunal added.
The announcement came a day after RPSG gave in to fan sentiment and decided to drop Mohun Bagan’s ATK prefix effective June 1.
Following their board meeting on Wednesday, it was announced that the City’s football heavyweights of over a century would be known as ‘Super Giant Mohun Bagan‘ from June 1st.
(With PTI entries)
