Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant with teammates (PTI Photo) Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka struck a calm and reassuring tone after his side’s disappointing defeat, urging patience and faith as the IPL 2026 season unfolds. At X, Goenka reminded fans that “this is a long season” and backed his captain and team to “respond with force”, while thanking the fans who turned up at the Ekana Stadium.
Posted by Sanjiv Goenka (X)
His message came on a night when LSG were outclassed by Delhi Capitals who, despite a shaky start, romped to a remarkable six-wicket win. DC were chased down for a modest 142, reeling at 26 for 4 before Sameer Rizvi produced a composed and match-winning unbeaten 70. Rizvi, mature beyond his years, put together a decisive 119-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs, who played a steady supporting role. It was a match that raised more questions than answers for LSG. Their batting faltered early on, managing just 141 after being deployed. Tactical decisions, including captain Rishabh Pant’s reshuffle of the top order, did not pay off. The innings never found momentum against a disciplined DC bowling attack led by T Natarajan, Kuldeep Yadav and Lungi Ngidi. Although LSG had DC under pressure at the start of the chase, they failed to capitalize. Rizvi’s calculated attack slowly chipped away at the game and exposed the lack of edge in LSG’s bowling during the middle overs. But Goenka’s words reflect a broader perspective. One defeat does not define a campaign. For a team still struggling to find its rhythm and balance, belief from above could be crucial. As the tournament progresses, LSG will hope to correct their tactical errors and rediscover their intensity. The season, Goenka pointed out, is far from being written.
