‘Fabricated’: Sanjiv Goenka Breaks Silence on Viral Rishabh Pant Interaction

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka has dismissed speculation of a rift with captain Rishabh Pant, strongly denying claims that he interferes in cricketing matters or has disagreements with players.

Goenka's comments come after viral visuals earlier in IPL 2026 showed him in an animated conversation with Pant following a defeat, sparking widespread debate and comparisons with his earlier interaction with former captain KL Rahul in 2024.

Sanjiv Goenka rejects reports of tension with Pant

Speaking publicly about the controversy, Goenka insisted that reports suggesting a fallout with Pant were exaggerated and largely driven by social media narratives.

He clarified that there had never been any confrontation or scolding incident involving the Lucknow Super Giants captain. According to Goenka, gestures captured during conversations were taken out of context and amplified online to create controversy.

Goenka suggested that social media often turns routine discussions into dramatic narratives, leading to misunderstandings about team dynamics.

He emphasised that his relationship with Pant has remained professional and respectful, dismissing the idea that disagreements had affected team harmony.

Viral moments triggered speculation

The rumours gained traction after footage surfaced showing Goenka speaking animatedly with Pant following one of Lucknow Super Giants' early-season defeats in IPL 2026.

Fans quickly drew parallels to a widely circulated incident from IPL 2024, when Goenka was seen in a stern discussion with then-captain KL Rahul after a loss. That episode had fuelled speculation about internal pressure within the franchise.

Following Rahul's departure after the 2024 season, Pant was appointed captain ahead of IPL 2025 after being signed for a record fee. However, similar scrutiny returned this season as Lucknow struggled for consistency.

With Lucknow Super Giants currently positioned in the lower half of the table, the team's performances have naturally intensified public attention on leadership and management dynamics.

Emotional style misunderstood, says Goenka

Goenka acknowledged that his expressive communication style may have contributed to misunderstandings.

He explained that he naturally uses hand gestures while speaking, which can sometimes appear dramatic in isolated video clips. According to him, short snippets circulating online often fail to capture the full context of conversations.

He also admitted that the intense scrutiny surrounding IPL franchises has made him more conscious about how his actions are perceived publicly.

Goenka noted that he has started being more mindful of body language during public interactions to avoid misinterpretation.

Denies interference in cricketing decisions

Addressing allegations of interference, Goenka firmly stated that he does not involve himself in technical cricketing decisions.

He highlighted that the franchise has a dedicated group of professionals responsible for team selection, tactics, and match-related planning.

According to Goenka, as someone who has not played professional cricket, it would be inappropriate for him to dictate cricketing strategies or decisions to players.

Instead, he said his role remains focused on overall management and support, leaving cricket-specific responsibilities to experienced experts.

Lucknow's recent struggles fuel speculation

Lucknow Super Giants began their IPL journey strongly, qualifying for the playoffs in their first two seasons. However, the franchise has struggled to maintain that level of performance in recent years.

The team finished seventh in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons and has again faced inconsistency in IPL 2026, with multiple defeats early in the campaign.

Pant's appointment as captain ahead of the 2025 season was seen as a major move, especially given his high-profile signing fee. Expectations were high, but results have remained uneven, adding pressure on both leadership and management.

Such circumstances often lead to heightened scrutiny of off-field interactions, especially when teams are not performing consistently.

Focus shifts back to on-field performance

Goenka expressed hope that clarifying his stance would reduce unnecessary speculation surrounding the franchise and allow the team to concentrate fully on cricket.

Lucknow Super Giants are scheduled to face Punjab Kings in their next match, a contest that could play a crucial role in shaping their campaign.

With attention now turning back to performances on the field, the franchise will be eager to move beyond off-field narratives and regain momentum in the tournament.