LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was seen having an animated chat with captain Rishabh Pant after losing the match against Delhi Capitals on April 1. It was deja vu for IPL fans as it reminded them of the infamous interaction between Goenka and KL Rahul, the then Lucknow captain.
It is still unclear what Sanjiv Goenka said to KL Rahul after LSG’s loss in IPL 2024. But Indian cricket fans didn’t like it as the LSG owner was not happy with Rahul; that too publicly.
Something similar happened last night. Goenka did not seem pleased when she spoke to Rishabh Pant. While it’s unclear what they discussed, social media erupted once again.
“Wins and losses are part of the game, but public humiliation shouldn’t be. If Sanjiv Goenka is concerned, he belongs in the dressing room, not on global broadcasts. Lecturing a captain like KL Rahul & Rishabh Pant in front of the cameras is less of a ‘passion’ and more of a ‘boss’ trying to show who he is to all the players who command their respect.
“Criticism is a part of sport but respect should never be compromised. Players like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant deserve public support, not being called out on camera. Leadership is shown by how you support your team, especially in tough times,” wrote another.
Another user commented, “We don’t know what she is talking about. But look at the gestures… they don’t vibrate well. Goenka should only do this type of speech in the dressing room. It happened with KL Rahul too… Public humiliation…”
“Mr Goenko are you a coach or a businessman… Every time your team loses you take his class. Tired of seeing your face while your team loses,” chimed in another.
“Criticism is fine, but doing it like that in public just crosses the line. Respect has to go both ways,” wrote another user.
This report is based on user generated content from social media. LiveMint has not independently verified and does not endorse these claims.
Pants “Responsibility”.
However, some social media users expressed doubts and asked others not to speculate. Some users also blamed Rishabh Pant for his poor performance.
“Do you know what he’s talking about?” So why do you assume that?” Yes, he was rude to KL and I know KL is one of the sweetest guys and everyone is human, that year LSG was losing game after game and they weren’t hungry to win that game so he was rude,” wrote one of them.
“Pant definitely is binding…make Pooran captain or even Marsh. Also the man bought a franchise for 7000 crores with this sh*t show. Will definitely happen,” wrote another.
Another user agreed: “If he spent 27 crores on mandatory Pant, he has every right to. Surprised why he didn’t release Pant last year. Doesn’t seem like a wise business decision to keep him.”
