LSG Breaks Silence On Rishabh Pant-Sanjiv Goenka On-Field Spat

LSG posts new video of Rishabh Pant-Sanjiv Goenka spat [Source: AFP]

After a video of Rishabh Pant having a heated conversation with Sanjiv Goenka went viral, LSG stepped in to clear the air. The franchise posted a different clip on social media to reveal the actual truth.

Lucknow Super Giants lost their opening IPL 2026 fixture to Delhi Capitals on April 1st. They failed to defend a 141-run target on a tricky Ekana wicket, and soon after, a controversial clip started doing the rounds on social media.

LSG clear air on Rishabh Pant-Sanjiv Goenka fight

Just after the game, cameras caught an animated on-field discussion between LSG captain Rishabh Pant, owner Sanjiv Goenka, and head coach Justin Langer.

In the viral video, Pant appeared visibly expressive while Goenka seemed agitated. And because of the body language, fans quickly assumed there was tension or a dressing-room issue, especially recalling Goenka’s past on-field exchange with KL Rahul in 2024.

However, amid backlash, LSG stepped in to settle the matter once and for all. The franchise released a longer, behind-the-scenes video to counter the narrative. 

Lucknow Super Giants

@LucknowIPL

Not everything you see is the true story, here’s the unfiltered post match vibes, when cameras don’t cut.

Apr 2, 2026, 7:34 PM

The clip showed Rishabh Pant and Sanjiv Goenka laughing and interacting normally. The message was clear that the viral clip was misleading and taken out of context.

So, what looked like a heated argument was actually just a normal post-match discussion.

Also Read - Lalit Modi Wants Sanjiv Goenka ‘BANNED’ From IPL After Scolding Video Goes Viral

Sanjiv Goenka backed Rishabh Pant

To further counter the narrative, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka publicly backed the team and Rishabh Pant. 

He said it's a long season and he has full confidence in the captain and squad to bounce back stronger. This statement further dismissed any idea of internal conflict. 

Dr. Sanjiv Goenka

@DrSanjivGoenka

This is a long season, and moments like these are part of building something meaningful. I have full confidence in our captain and the team to respond with strength. To our fans, thank you for your support at Ekana today, we will come back stronger. The story of @LucknowIPL this

Apr 2, 2026, 12:33 AM

Rishabh Pant joined as LSG captain last year on a whopping salary of INR 27 crores. However, his debut season for Lucknow was underwhelming. He scored 269 runs in 13 innings, and LSG finished seventh on the points table.

LSG’s shortcomings exposed in opening IPL 2026 game

That being said, LSG’s loss against DC exposed its true weakness early in the IPL 2026 season. Rishabh Pant’s bold call to open backfired as he got run out on 7 runs.

LSG eventually collapsed to just 141 runs. While the fast bowlers started well to reduce DC to 26/4, Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs pulled off a 119-run partnership to secure a 6-wicket easy win in 17.1 overs.

That being said, LSG were questioned for their tactical changes. Pant opening the innings was judged as a wrong call, as critics believe changes in batting order affected players like Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran.

Also, Lucknow benched promising spinner Digvesh Rathi, who performed brilliantly for them in the IPL 2025 season. 

Overall, LSG have a lot to contemplate on. The new season has just begun, but key issues have to be addressed as quickly as possible. That being said, LSG will next face SRH on Sunday, April 5, at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad.

Also Read - Mumbai Indians Receive Significant Boost In IPL 2026