IPL 2026: Sanjiv Goenka’s Intense Chat with Rishabh Pant After LSG Loss to DC Goes Viral (WATCH)

Following LSG's loss to DC in IPL 2026, owner Sanjiv Goenka's intense on-field chat with captain Rishabh Pant went viral. The incident drew comparisons to a similar public discussion with former captain KL Rahul, sparking debate among fans over Goenka's approach.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka was spotted having an intense and animated chat with captain Rishabh Pant after the team’s defeat in the IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, April 1.

The LSG suffered a six-wicket defeat to DC, enduring a disappointing start to their campaign as they continue their search for a maiden IPL title. After being bundled out for 141, the hosts failed to defend it as the visitors chased down the 142-run target with 17 balls to spare or in 17.1 overs. Sameer Rizvi played a match-winning knock of 70 off 47 balls and formed a crucial, unbeaten 119-run stand for the fifth wicket with Tristan Stubbs (39 off 32 balls).

LSG bowlers, especially Prince Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Mohsin Khan, made early inroads to put Delhi Capitals under pressure during the powerplay. However, the momentum dramatically shifted after Rizvi and Stubbs steadied the innings with a composed and match-defining partnership.

Goenka and Pant in an Animated Chat

As Lucknow Super Giants began their maiden IPL title quest on a disappointing note, what caught the attention of the fans was the post-match chat between Sanjiv Geonka and Rishabh Pant at the stadium. Goenka, as usual, talks to the players and coaching staff after the match to discuss performances and identify areas of improvement.

In a video that went viral on social media, Sanjiv Goenka can be seen having an intense and animated on-field chat with Rishabh Pant, with head coach Justin Langer and Director of Cricket Tom Moody also present nearby, observing the discussion following the defeat.

The exact details of the conversation between Goenka and Pank is known, although the body language suggested a serious discussion following the team’s disappointing loss. It can be ascertained that the discussion was centered around the team’s performance and key moments from the match, as Lucknow Super Giants look to regroup quickly after a disappointing start to their campaign.

This was not the first time Sanjiv Goenka was seen having a post-match chat with the captain, with similar moments in the past also grabbing attention and sparking debate among fans over his on-field approach.

Goenka’s apparent involvement in such animated on-field discussions has previously drawn attention, incidents sparking conversations among fans about his approach to interacting with players after matches. Whether in a win or a defeat, the LSG owner has often been seen interacting with players on the field after matches, making such moments a recurring talking point among fans.

KL Rahul’s Past Interaction with Sanjiv Goenka Resurfaces

The LSG owner, Sanjiv Goenka’s intense discussion with captain Rishabh Pant after the team’s defeat to the DC in their opening match of the IPL 2026 has reminded fans of a similar incident involving former skipper KL Rahul, which had also gone viral at the time.

In 2024, when KL Rahul was the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants, he was seen engaged in an intense chat with Goenka, who was visibly furious and angry after the team’s crushing 10-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The intense chat between Rahul and Geonka became one of the most talked-about moments of the season.

Taking to their X handles (formerly Twitter), fans and cricket enthusiasts criticise Sanjiv Goenka’s on-field approach, with many pointing out similarities to his past interaction with KL Rahul, while others felt such conversations should happen behind closed doors rather than in public, calling it unnecessary pressure on Rishabh Pant and the team.

In the last IPL season, Lucknow Super Giants had a disappointing campaign as they finished seventh in the league stage with six wins and eight losses, and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Following a defeat to the Delhi Capitals, the Rishabh Pant-led side will look to bounce back when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday, April 5.