Stories are being circulated on social media platforms claiming that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka and captain Rishabh Pant are not on the same page in the current season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). A few years ago, similar speculations were made about Goenka and KL Rahul. Most of the claims on the internet are speculation and hearsay, but what is the truth?
Ahead of LSG’s upcoming match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday (April 19) evening, Super Giants owner, Sanjiv Goenka himself made the situation clear regarding his relationship with the players.
LSG boss Sanjiv Goenka brushes off air claims suggesting possible rift with Rishabh Pant
On NDTV’s ‘Walk the Talk’ show, the LSG boss spoke on a number of issues, including his relationship with the players, especially Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. He termed most of the claims being made on social media platforms as false and fabricated.
On the show, he said, “You know, there was never a scolding situation with Rishabh. This is social media. Sanjiv Goenka acted in a way that gets him views. Okay? So in the end, they decided, ‘Let’s make Sanjiv Goenka a punching bag.’
The camera captured a moment. But what actually happened?
Dr. Sanjeev Goenka responded on KL Rahul-Rishabh Pant controversy.
Talk with Rahul Kanwal.#walk the talk #sanjeevgoenka #ndtv @rahulkanwal pic.twitter.com/3AoCWMxdsW
– NDTV (@ndtv) 18 April 2026
Gokenka further added that his way of talking or expressing emotions often looks very animated on camera, which can make it seem like something has gone wrong on the field. So, he is learning how to be calm and less excited in front of the camera.
Sanjiv Goenka accepted his talkative nature
Sanjiv Goenka said, “Yes, acknowledging (that he has also been under a lot of scrutiny because of his emotional nature). I am learning this now.”
“You know, I’m a person who naturally gestures. So I’m learning to keep my hands behind my back now, you know. Because you can take an angle out of context. There are a lot of adapted versions, a lot of AI-generated versions. But that’s it. I mean, what can I do?” he adds.
Some people also strongly believe that Sanji Goenka interferes in cricket matters. The 65-year-old dismissed those claims outright and described it as foolish to think that any non-cricket personality would dare to interfere in tactical moves. For cricket related decisions, LSG has a group of professionals.
“You know, I mean, for a guy who has never really played cricket, it would be foolish to tell my cricketers how to play, right? I have a team of experts, and it’s a big team that does (address cricket-related issues),” Sanji Goenka said.
LSG is 8th in IPL 2026 points table
At present, Lucknow Super Giants are not in a promising position in the IPL 2026 points table. Rishabh Pant-led team is in 8th position before the match against Punjab Kingsth With only 4 points in the 10-team league. They claimed only a couple of wins and three losses in 5 matches, and have a negative run rate of -0.804. The team’s star-studded top order is still struggling to perform according to its stature.
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