IPL 2026: LSG clears air on Rishabh Pant-Sanjiv Goenka on-field spat, backlash intensifies

Lucknow Tremendous Giants (LSG) have lastly addressed the viral on-field interplay between workforce proprietor Sanjiv Goenka and captain Rishabh Pant following their heavy defeat to Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2026. Nonetheless, what was supposed as a clarification has as a substitute fuelled additional controversy, with followers questioning the authenticity of the franchise’s response.

Rishabh Pant-Sanjiv Goenka on-field alternate

The incident came about on April 1 on the Ekana Cricket Stadium after LSG suffered a six-wicket loss. Cameras captured Goenka in an animated dialog with Pant close to the boundary rope, with head coach Justin Langer additionally current. Although the alternate had no audio, the physique language steered a tense dialogue, rapidly sparking debate on-line.

The visuals reminded followers of the same second in IPL 2024, when Goenka was seen publicly confronting then-captain KL Rahul after a defeat. That reminiscence solely intensified scrutiny across the newest incident.

LSG’s ‘unfiltered’ video backfires

In an try to regulate the narrative, LSG launched a follow-up video on April 2 by way of social media platform X. The publish carried the caption: “Not all the things you see is the true story. Right here’s the unfiltered post-match vibes, when cameras don’t lower.”

The video confirmed a contrasting scene — Pant and Goenka sharing a hug, smiling, and showing relaxed. The franchise aimed to recommend that the sooner footage had been misinterpreted and that there was no battle between the 2.

Not all the things you see is the true story, right here’s the unfiltered publish match vibes, when cameras don’t lower. pic.twitter.com/EiPMWrmlkQ

— Lucknow Tremendous Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 2, 2026

Goenka additionally publicly backed his captain, stating: “This can be a lengthy season, and moments like these are a part of constructing one thing significant. I’ve full confidence in our captain and the workforce to reply with power.”

Nonetheless, as a substitute of settling the difficulty, the video triggered recent criticism. Many followers identified seen empty stands within the background, elevating doubts about whether or not the clip was truly filmed instantly after the match. This led to hypothesis that the interplay could have been staged later as a part of harm management.

Some customers even added neighborhood notes to the publish, claiming the video offered a “manufactured perspective.” The try to make clear the scenario ended up amplifying the controversy – a basic case of the Streisand Impact, the place efforts to suppress or clarify a difficulty solely convey it extra consideration.

Additionally WATCH: LSG proprietor Sanjiv Goenka entails in animated dialogue with Rishabh Pant after loss towards DC in IPL 2026

“I might have banned Sanjiv Goenka”: Lalit Modi 

The controversy drew sharp reactions from distinguished figures within the cricketing world. Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi launched a robust criticism of Goenka, writing: “I informed you this man… is a whole loser and joker of the best order. I’m severely embarrassed by his behaviour. If I used to be nonetheless chairman and commissioner, I might have banned him instantly. There’s a clause within the franchise settlement for this actual subject. #BCCI implement it.”

He additional criticized the broader tradition, stating: “Whereas soccer league house owners deal with gamers with respect… IPL house owners are sometimes busy chasing hype and headlines, publicly berating captains proper on the boundary after powerful losses.”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan additionally reacted, posting: “One sport into the event… no want for this.”

As LSG put together for his or her subsequent fixture towards Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the franchise can be eager to shift focus again to cricket. Nonetheless, the controversy has reignited discussions concerning the position of workforce house owners and the way publicly they need to have interaction with gamers throughout matches.

Additionally WATCH: Ugly scenes unfold as DC and LSG supporters commerce punches at Ekana Stadium in IPL 2026