Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) finally they solved the interaction between the team owner in the viral field Sanjiv Goenka and captain Rishabh pants after a heavy defeat Delhi Capitals (DC) in it IPL 2026. However, what was meant to be a clarification instead sparked more controversy, with fans questioning the authenticity of the franchise’s response.
Rishabh Pant-Sanjiv Goenka exchange pitches
The incident took place after LSG lost six wickets at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1. Cameras captured Goenka having an animated conversation with Pant near the boundary rope with head coach Justin Langer in attendance. Although there was no voice in the exchange, the body language suggested a heated debate and quickly sparked debate online.
The visuals reminded fans of a similar moment in IPL 2024 when Goenka was seen openly confronting then captain KL Rahul after a defeat. This memory only intensified the investigation around the last incident.
LSG’s “unfiltered” video backfires
To control the story, LSG released a follow-up video via social media platform X on April 2. The post was headlined: “Not everything you see is the real story. Here’s the unfiltered post-match vibes when the cameras aren’t rolling.”
The video shows a contrasting scene – Pant and Goenka are seen hugging, smiling and relaxed. The franchise was meant to suggest that the earlier footage was misinterpreted and that there was no conflict between the two.
Not everything you see is the real story, this is the unfiltered post-match vibes when the cameras aren’t rolling. pic.twitter.com/EiPMWrmlkQ
– Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 2, 2026
Goenka also openly supported his captain saying: “It’s a long season and moments like this are part of building something meaningful. I have every confidence in our captain and the team that they will respond strongly.”
However, instead of solving the problem, the video has sparked new criticism. Many fans have pointed out the empty stands in the background, questioning whether the clip was actually filmed right after the match. This led to speculation that the interaction could later be staged as part of damage control.
Some users even added community notes to the post claiming that the video was submitted “A manufactured perspective.” Attempts to clarify the situation fueled the controversy—a classic case of the Streisand Effect, where efforts to suppress or explain away an issue draw more attention to it.
Also WATCH: LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka engages in animated discussion with Rishabh Pant after IPL 2026 loss to DC
‘I would ban Sanjiv Goenka’: Lalit Modi
The controversy has led to strong reactions from well-known figures in the world of cricket. Lalit Modi, the former IPL chairman, slammed Goenka, writing: “I told you this guy… is a total loser and a top class joker. I am seriously ashamed of his behavior. If I were still chairman and commissioner I would have banned him immediately. There is a clause in the franchise agreement on this exact issue. #BCCI implements it.”
Criticizing the wider culture, he said: “While the owners of the football league treat the players with respect…IPL owners are often preoccupied with chasing hype and headlines, bordering on open abuse of captains after heavy losses.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan also reacted and wrote: “One game into the tournament…there’s no need for that.”
As LSG prepares for their next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the franchise will want to shift the focus back to cricket. However, the controversy has reignited debate over the role of team owners and how they should openly communicate with players during matches.
Also WATCH: Ugly scenes unfold as DC and LSG supporters clash at Ekana Stadium in IPL 2026.
