Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka seemed like he was visibly upset with captain Rishabh Pant following their defeat to DC. Ashutosh Sharma’s whirlwind knock powered the Capitals to a nail-biting one-wicket win. Following the clash, the LSG owner was seen having a chat with Pant on the sidelines, bringing back memories of his infamous chat with former skipper KL Rahul in 2024.
New captain, same old story with LSG owner?
Goenka came under fire in 2024 for schooling Rahul on the sidelines following LSG’s loss to SRH. The same seems like it was repeated on Monday after Pant and co. failed to edge out DC in what was a high-scoring encounter. LSG spent a whooping Rs 27 crore to buy the southpaw in the mega auction, making him the highest paid cricketer in IPL 2025.
Was Pant getting schooled by Goenka?
Earlier, from the visuals it seemed like Goenka was scolding Rishabh Pant after the loss, but now, LSG has clarified that they were having a fun time, where they were having some light-hearted chat after the clash.
Chairman Dr. Sanjiv Goenka shared words of encouragement with the team after their season opener in Vizag
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) March 25, 2025pic.twitter.com/nd7BoJmCxB
Rahul vs Goenka
Chasing a modest target of 166, SRH openers had wreaked havoc on the LSG bowling attack, reaching the target in a mere 9.4 overs. Following the dismal performance, then LSG captain KL Rahul was caught on camera receiving a public dressing down from the team owner.
Goenka deserves every bit of this for treating my man KL Rahul so badly last IPL
— Krishna Lahoti (@avgphoenixguy) March 24, 2025pic.twitter.com/I3Fno4aGT1
The animated exchange sparked outrage on social media, with many fans criticizing the public display of reprimand. Commentators even weighed in, suggesting such conversations are best held behind closed doors.
Commentator on air said: “You always feel these conversations should always be behind closed doors. There are so many cameras that miss nothing, and KL Rahul is not going to go at press conferences and various other things and probably potentially explain what is being discussed there. He has done well here to keep his cool.”
