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LSG's Rishabh Pant, Sanjiv Goenka Seek Blessings at Ayodhya Temple Before IPL 2026

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant and owner Sanjiv Goenka visited the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya with squad members to seek blessings ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The franchise, which has had mixed results since its debut, made Pant the most expensive player in league history with a Rs 27 crore bid in 2025. After a subpar season under Pant's new leadership, the team is now aiming to reach its first IPL final. Their campaign begins with a match against the Delhi Capitals on April 1.

Key Points: LSG Squad Visits Ram Temple in Ayodhya Ahead of IPL 2026 Season

  • Squad visit before IPL 2026
  • Pant's record Rs 27 crore signing
  • Team's playoff history
  • Aiming for first final
  • Season opener vs Delhi Capitals
2 min read

IPL 2026: LSG skipper Pant, owner Goenka, squad members visit Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka and captain Rishabh Pant lead team to Ram Janmabhoomi for blessings before the new IPL season begins.

"Dr. Sanjiv Goenka visits Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya along with captain Rishabh Pant and other members of the squad to receive blessings. - LSG on X"

New Delhi, March 21

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant, principal owner and chairman of the franchise Sanjiv Goenka, and several other members of the squad offered prayers at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026. The 19th edition of the tournament is set to begin on March 28.

The franchise posted a picture of the group's visit to the holy shrine on X and wrote, "Dr. Sanjiv Goenka visits Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya along with captain Rishabh Pant and other members of the squad to receive blessings."

LSG have experienced mixed results since their debut. Under KL Rahul, they reached the IPL 2022 playoffs but were eliminated in the eliminator. In IPL 2023, LSG advanced to the second round but lost in the Eliminator again. Krunal Pandya led the team during the second half of that season.

The Rahul-led LSG did not advance past the league stage in IPL 2024. The management released Rahul ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction. The Lucknow-based franchise committed a record bid of Rs 27 crore for Rishabh Pant, making him the most expensive player in league history as he was eventually appointed captain.

Pant-led LSG had a subpar IPL season, exiting after only six wins in 14 matches. Their performance dipped in the latter half, with four consecutive losses damaging their chances. They ended their second season with a defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Pant struggled with the bat, scoring 269 runs in 13 innings. He recorded one century and one half-century during the season.

Lucknow will now aim to reach their first IPL final in 2026. They will start their season against the Delhi Capitals on April 1, followed by a match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5. Their next two games, as per the first phase of the schedule announced by the BCCI, are against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 9 and the Gujarat Titans on April 12.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I respect the personal faith of the players, I hope the franchise's focus remains squarely on cricket. The team's performance has been inconsistent, and that needs addressing through strategy and practice, not just PR visits.
V
Vikram M
Pant needs all the blessings he can get after last season! 27 crore is a huge amount and the pressure must be immense. A visit like this might help with team bonding and mental peace. Let's see if it shows in their game.
P
Priya S
This is such a heartwarming gesture. Ayodhya holds a special place for millions of Indians. Wishing the team the very best. Hope Pant finds his vintage form and leads from the front! #LSG
R
Rohit P
Good to see the team united. But honestly, they need to sort out their middle-order batting and death bowling. Prayers are good, but a solid auction strategy and better team selection are what will take them to the playoffs.
K
Kavya N
As a Lucknow fan, I appreciate this. It shows the team is trying to connect with the culture and sentiments of the region. Now please give us a trophy to celebrate! 🏆 The city has been waiting.

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