IPL 2026: Is There A Rift Between Rishabh Pant And Sanjiv Goenka? LSG, Lalit Modi React To Viral Exchange Video

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) began their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign with a six-wicket loss against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 1. However, a viral video showing a tense exchange between LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka and captain Rishabh Pant has led to rumours of a rift between the two franchise supremos.

The Super Giants, batting first, were all out for 141 at the Ekana Stadium on Wednesday. Pant, who became the most expensive player in IPL history in 2025 after being bought by LSG for INR 27 crore, scored seven runs off nine balls. DC chased the total in just 17.1 overs.

At the end of the match, Pant was seen talking to Goenka, coach Justin Langer, and director Tom Moody. That video instantly brought up memories of Goenka’s infamous bust-up with former LSG captain KL Rahul. The pair had a public confrontation during IPL 2024 after a loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Although Rahul was not dropped following the incident, he was not retained by LSG. This has led to fans worrying that Pant’s days in Lucknow might be numbered if he ends up crossing Goenka.

LSG Refute Rift Rumours

However, Lucknow Super Giants were quick to dismiss any rumours of a rift between Pant and Goenka. The franchise took to social media to post the uncut video of the exchange, which showed Pant and Goenka having a lighthearted discussion. while laughing. However, with the audio being muffled, the exact topic of their talks was not clear.

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

Goenka himself did not comment on the issue but took to social media to discuss his team’s defeat.

“This is a long season, and moments like these are part of building something meaningful,” Goenka wrote on X. “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.”

Lalit Modi, Vaughan Criticise Goenka

Not everyone accepted LSG’s naive explanation. Former IPL chief Lalit Modi did not mince his words while criticising Goenka, saying, “While football league owners treat players with respect, long-term vision, and professionalism, IPL owners are often busy chasing hype and headlines, publicly berating captains right on the boundary after tough losses.”

“Long-term infrastructure over throwing money at instant stardom? Real fan-first culture with decent stadium experiences?” he added. “Sustainable models with competitive balance and some professional conduct, less drama, more brand building? Who would’ve thought.”

Even Michael Vaughan expressed his dismay, writing, “1 game into the Tournament .. No need for this ..”

LSG Face Fan Ire

Meanwhile, fans took to the comments section of LSG’s post to criticise the explanation, calling it a “cover-up”.

“No doubt an owner puts lots of money and he has the right to get an answer. But these things need to be done behind the doors,” one fan wrote. “What happened is bad but cover up is even worst (sic).”

“You called them back to shoot this video, this is hilarious,” wrote another.

“Nice PR VIDEO. For the first time a franchise do (sic) a lot for owner than for its players,” another popular comment read.