LSG Trying to Save Face After Video of Sanjiv Goenka Arguing With Rishabh Pant that Went Viral Doesn’t Sit Well With Fans

Rishabh Pant's unexpected move to open for LSG in their season opener failed when he was dismissed for seven runs in a poor run-out against DC.

LSG Trying to Save Face After Video of Sanjiv Goenka Arguing With Rishabh Pant that Went Viral Doesn’t Sit Well With Fans

LSG shared a video showing all is well between Sanjiv Goenka and Rishabh Pant. (via X)

In Short
  • Lucknow Super Giants released an 'unfiltered' video to downplay the controversy surrounding owner Sanjiv Goenka's confrontation with captain Rishabh Pant.
  • Fans remain skeptical of the franchise's damage control efforts, viewing the new clip as a PR stunt.
  • LSG's loss to Delhi Capitals in their IPL opener has intensified scrutiny on the team's dynamics and leadership.

In an attempt to play down the controversy that has erupted over a video of Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka confronting skipper Rishabh Pant, the franchise released a new clip that they labeled as ‘unfiltered’. This effort, however, has not gone down well with fans.

LSG lost their 2026 IPL opener to DC at the Ekana Stadium by six wickets. Delhi Capitals restricted the hosts to a below-par total of 141 runs. However, LSG came back into the game, reducing the visitors to just 26/4 with a blazing opening spell from their pacers. It was an unbeaten 119-run partnership between Sameer Rizvi (70 off 47) and Tristan Stubbs (39 off 32) that took the visitors over the line. 

At a point in the second innings, the match seemed briefly in favor of the home side, after Prince Yadav removed Axar Patel and Pathum Nissanka in the same over. Immediately after the game, videos emerged of LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka having an animated discussion with captain Rishabh Pant. The wicket-keeper looked serious, while Goenka appeared intense, fueling speculations that all might not be well.

It is not the first time that the 65-year-old has had animated on-field arguments with captains, with fans immediately referencing the 2024 KL Rahul controversy. Fans and former players alike have expressed concern that a similar public ‘rebuking’ might occur, should Rishabh Pant fail to deliver results. Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi also hit out at the LSG owner, suggesting that he would have banned Goenka had he been the IPL chairman. 

However, the franchise was quick to release a longer, ‘unfiltered’ clip of the same moment, featuring the owner and captain. The second video showed Pant exchanging a high-five and embracing Sanjiv Goenka, before engaging in a conversation with head coach Justin Langer and team director Tom Moody. While the social media post has been described by many as a ‘PR’ stunt, it carried a caption, urging fans not to believe in everything that they see on social media. 

Furthermore, LSG found itself in the middle of another controversy, involving former captain KL Rahul. The franchise had shared an ‘empty stairway’ picture that ridiculed the DC batter, after he was dismissed for a golden duck during the recent clash. 

Fans reject LSG’s attempt to quash Rishabh Pant – Sanjiv Goenka controversy with ‘unfiltered’ clip

Lucknow Super Giants released ‘unfiltered’ clip featuring captain Rishabh Pant and owner Sanjiv Goenka embracing. It aimed to replace the narrative of a tense relationship between the two, with the new video suggesting that their on-field conversation was simply ‘passionate’.

Rishabh Pant and Sanjiv Goenka fans
Sanjiv Goenka was captured having a serious on-field chat with Rishabh Pant, following LSG-DC clash. (via News 18)

The clip shared by the franchise showed Goenka patting Pant on the back and the duo sharing a warm hug despite the team’s loss against the Delhi Capitals. Fans have remained unconvinced, with many of them suggesting that the second video was shot by the LSG social media team to save the 65-year-old’s reputation. The clip also showed head coach Justin Langer and director Tom Moody in high spirits. 

Fans added that the LSG owner is exerting pressure on Rishabh Pant. Some of them were quick to point out that the original viral clip was recorded with the crowd present, but the later video was deliberately shot to recreate the scene after the stadium had been emptied out. One fan hilariously suggested that Sanjiv Goenka has begun to position himself as the head coach of LSG, instead of Langer. 

It remains to be seen whether the controversy winds up or puts pressure on the franchise. Pant and Co. will next take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 5, aiming to secure their first win of the campaign.

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