Rishabh Pant Sanjiv Goenka for LSG. Image Credits: AFP
Dynamics often change very fast in the world of cricket, and something like that took the centre stage when the Rishabh Pant IPL trade 2027 between Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals was sealed on June 23.
Earlier, hailed by LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka as a future dominant leader like MS Dhoni or Rohit Sharma, Pant was let go by the RPSG group after two unsuccessful seasons as a leader in the IPL.
However, what rings loud today is the promise and the negligence in the fact that Pant can ever be traded off by the owner, Sanjiv Goenka, himself.
As Rishabh Pant now looks to reunite with the old Delhi teammates ahead of the 2027 season, let’s take a look at what Goenka shared on the possible exit of Pant ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
The Sanjiv Goenka-Rishabh Pant Crackdown
Goenka has always been known as a franchise manager who likes to keep players on their toes. KL Rahul shared a fate that Pant suffered.
For the unaware, there have been multiple videos online showing Goenka openly scolding Pant for his poor individual performance and the team’s dismal outings.
LSG won only four of 14 matches in IPL 2026 and finished at the bottom of the points table. This might have triggered massive unrest in the dressing room and the management.
A few days after the IPL, LSG announced the official step-down of Pant as captain, and now the surprise trade ahead of IPL 2027 for Kuldeep Yadav.
What Did Sanjiv Goenka Say About Possible Rishabh Pant IPL Trade 2027?
Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, while speaking to Sports Tak in an exclusive interview, Goenka laughed off any possibility of Pant exiting the franchise after IPL 2026.
"What will any captain do if he doesn't have four fast bowlers? You have to look at it from what he had. I personally have great confidence in Pant. I know you guys (media) keep speculating if Rishabh will stay at LSG or not. I look at all that and only laugh. I think some social media sites need views. Sanjiv Goenka becomes a very happy and convenient punching bag," Sanjiv Goenka said.
Goenka laughed off any speculation and pointed fingers at the media for spreading false rumours. However, months later, the LSG owner’s speech becomes a laughing stock in itself as Pant joins DC for INR 15 crore, taking a massive 12 crore pay cut from LSG.
Also Read- Rishabh Pant’s Record For Delhi Capitals In IPL History
Goenka Blames Media For False Targeting
Although Sanjiv tried to balance out his approach with an overall franchise-blaming angle, the 2026 season was as disappointing as 2025. He further elaborated on how he gets targeted by social media because of false and misdirected agendas.
"100 percent (aware of social media memes). But, I don't spend a lot of time on social media. I understand 5-10 percent of social media, so I don't know what's the reason. But, Sanjiv Goenka is a punching bag.
"I live with my conscience, I am a very secure person in my own skin. When I make a mistake, I openly admit I made a mistake. Last year, we didn't even have the team to challenge for the trophy. We made a lot of mistakes, we made mistakes in the auction, mistakes while preparing," Goenka said.
Rishabh Pant In Safe Hands?
However, Goenka’s words now lie null and void as the DC blood will look to rebuild confidence with his former team after the IPL 2027 trade, probably without the burden of captaincy.
As DC look to hand over the skipper’s hat to KL Rahul, Pant would look to regain his charm as a destructive middle-order T20 batter, one he was known for during his early days in Delhi.
Also Read- Costliest Trades In IPL History
