Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) The viral on-field conversation between team owners has finally been addressed Sanjeev Goenka and captain Rishabh Pant after their heavy defeat Delhi Capitals (DC)) In ipl 2026. However, what was intended as an explanation has instead sparked more controversy, with fans questioning the authenticity of the franchise’s response.
Argument between Rishabh Pant and Sanjeev Goenka on the field
The incident happened on April 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium when LSG lost by six wickets. Cameras captured Goenka having an animated conversation with Pant near the boundary rope, with head coach Justin Langer also present. Although there was no audio of the exchange, the body language revealed a tense discussion, which quickly sparked debate online.
The scenes reminded fans of a similar moment in IPL 2024, when Goenka was seen publicly confronting then-captain KL Rahul after the defeat. That memory further intensified the investigation surrounding the latest incident.
LSG’s ‘unfiltered’ video backfires
In an effort to control the narrative, LSG released a follow-up video via social media platform X on April 2. The post was captioned: “Not everything you see is the true story. Here’s the unfiltered post-match vibes, when the cameras don’t cut.”
The video showed a contradictory scene – Pant and Goenka hugging each other, smiling and looking comfortable. The purpose of the franchise was to suggest that earlier footage had been misinterpreted and that there was no conflict between the two.
What you see is not the true story, here are the unfiltered vibes after the match, when the cameras don’t cut. pic.twitter.com/EiPMWrmlkQ
– Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) 2 April 2026
Goenka also publicly supported his captain, saying: “It’s a long season, and moments like this are part of building something meaningful. I have full confidence in our captain and the team that they will respond with strength.”
However, instead of resolving the issue, the video triggered new criticism. Many fans pointed out the empty stands visible in the background, raising doubts as to whether the clip was actually filmed immediately after the match. This led to speculation that the talks may have been held at a later date as part of damage control.
Some users also added community notes to the post, claiming that the video presented “Constructed Perspective.” Attempts to clarify the situation ultimately escalate the controversy – a classic case of the Streisand effect, where attempts to suppress or explain an issue only draw more attention to it.
“I would have banned Sanjiv Goenka”: Lalit Modi
Prominent personalities from the cricket world reacted sharply to this controversy. Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi strongly criticized Goenka, writing: “I told you this guy… is a complete loser and a joker of the highest order. I am seriously embarrassed by his behaviour. If I were still the Chairman and Commissioner, I would have banned him immediately. There is a clause in the franchise agreement for this exact issue. #BCCI enforce it.”
He further criticized the broader culture, saying: “While Football League owners treat players with respect… IPL owners are often busy with publicity and headlines, publicly scolding captains on the sidelines after tough defeats.’
Former England captain michael vaughn also responded by posting: “One game in the tournament… there’s no need for that.”
As LSG prepares for its next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the franchise will be keen to shift its focus back to cricket. However, the controversy has reignited discussion about the role of team owners and how they should publicly engage with players during matches.
See also: Disgusting scene unfolds as DC and LSG supporters exchange punches at Ekana Stadium in IPL 2026
