IPL 2026: Lalit Modi blasts LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka after Rishabh Pant steps down

Rishabh Pant has relinquished his captaincy duties for LSG with immediate effects after a poor IPL 2026 season, as the franchise announced on Friday.

The franchise confirmed that Pant personally requested the change, which was promptly accepted, signalling the end of a turbulent chapter marked by on-field struggles and off-field tensions. Pant will continue as a player, but the leadership baton passes on as LSG eyes a major rebuild ahead of the 2027 mega auction.

Lalit Modi bashes LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka

Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi wasted no time in weighing in, launching a scathing attack on LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka. In a pointed social media post, Modi accused the owner of fostering a “hostile environment” through public pressure and breaking long-term retention promises made to players.

"That was fast. And here @DrSanjivGoenka went Blah blah all over media how He will keep @rishabhpant for 10-15 years. I can bet anything The young player could not stay day longer in a team owned by this man as he could not take the public humiliation he was subjected to. Sad day for @LucknowIPL when the owner makes conditions such that the player must resign," Modi wrote on X.

He highlighted how such dynamics leave players contractually trapped with teams and owners they find toxic, with little recourse. Modi called for systemic reforms, including anonymous complaint mechanisms for players, limits on direct owner-player interactions, and greater empowerment for professional management to safeguard mental health in the high-stakes league.

Modi’s outburst echoes his earlier criticisms during the season, when viral clips of animated exchanges between Goenka and Pant (alongside coach Justin Langer) after defeats drew widespread scrutiny. The IPL founder had labelled Goenka a “complete pompous clown” and even suggested a potential ban, citing franchise agreement clauses against such conduct.

From High Praise to Public Scrutiny

The developments stand in stark contrast to Goenka’s glowing endorsements when Pant was roped in as the face of the franchise. Ahead of the 2025 season, Goenka had hailed Pant as a transformative “game-changer” with immense long-term potential.

In public statements, he envisioned Pant leading LSG to multiple titles over a 12-15 year journey, positioning him alongside IPL legends like Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni. The massive ₹27 crore acquisition was framed as a bold investment in flair, leadership, and consistency.

Pant himself reciprocated the warmth during the season. After tough losses, he publicly empathised with Goenka’s passion and the “most difficult time” the owner was enduring, promising 200% commitment from the squad to deliver joy for fans and the management.

Yet, repeated on-pitch conversations and reports of owner involvement fuelled speculation of mounting pressure, reminiscent of Goenka’s past high-profile interactions with former skipper KL Rahul.