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LSG Owner Goenka Smiles at Pant Captaincy Rumors, Backs Skipper for IPL 2026

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka has publicly dismissed rumors about replacing Rishabh Pant as the team's captain ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Goenka took to social media to praise Pant's character and commitment, stating he simply smiled at the speculation. This follows a season where Pant's performance was under scrutiny after LSG invested heavily in him at auction. The skipper himself has previously called out fake news about his role, urging responsibility on social media.

Key Points: Goenka Debunks Pant Captaincy Rumors, Backs LSG Skipper

  • Goenka dismisses captaincy change rumors
  • Praises Pant's character and commitment
  • Pant faced scrutiny after poor IPL 2025
  • Pant previously clashed with fake news on social media
  • LSG's IPL 2026 campaign begins April 1
2 min read

'Read the speculations and smiled...': LSG owner Goenka debunks rumours around Pant's captaincy

LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka dismisses fake reports about replacing Rishabh Pant as captain, praises his character and commitment ahead of IPL 2026.

'Read the speculations and smiled...': LSG owner Goenka debunks rumours around Pant's captaincy
"I had read the speculations around @RishabhPant17's captaincy and smiled. - Sanjiv Goenka"

New Delhi, March 26

Sanjiv Goenka, owner of Lucknow Super Giants, dismissed rumours about Rishabh Pant's captaincy following 'fake reports' that suggested the wicketkeeper-batter was losing his leadership role at the franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season and wished the 28-year-old luck for the tournament.

The LSG captain faced intense scrutiny for his subpar performances during IPL 2025. There were high hopes for the left-handed player after he was bought for an impressive Rs. 27 crores in last year's mega auction, but he could not rise to the occasion. Ahead of the 19th edition of the tournament, rumours about replacing him as captain began to circulate.

However, Goenka debunked all such speculations and lauded his 'character and commitment' before wishing for him to have 'a great season.'

"Heading into the season, I had read the speculations around @RishabhPant17's captaincy and smiled. We've spent enough time together to know his character and commitment. Have a great season, Cap!" Goenka wrote in an X post on Thursday.

A similar news story surfaced during the IPL 2025, when Pant took control of the situation. An X user suggested that Pant might be dropped before the 2026 IPL season because LSG owners believe his price is unjustified. The LSG skipper responded to this user, urging them to exercise some sensibility and credibility before spreading false narratives.

"I understand fake News gives more traction to content, but let's not build everything around it . Little sense and credible news will help more rather making fake news with agenda. Thanks, have a good day . Let's be responsible and sensible what we put out on social media," he had written on X.

Pant scored only 269 runs in the 13 matches he played last season at a poor average of 24.45. His form will be observed closely when LSG start their IPL 2026 campaign against the Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, their home ground, on April 1.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Honestly, the amount of fake news around IPL is ridiculous. People just want clicks. Pant's response was mature. We need to support our players, not spread negativity. Hope he has a great comeback season.
V
Vikram M
While I appreciate the backing, the performance last season was genuinely concerning for a player of his price tag. The pressure is immense. He needs to justify the faith with runs, not just character. Wishing him luck, but the proof will be on the field.
R
Rohit P
This is why I love Goenka's management. They show patience. Cricket is a game of form, everyone has a bad season. Pant has overcome bigger challenges in his life. This is nothing. #BelieveInPant
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's refreshing to see an owner shut down rumors so clearly. The social media speculation machine around IPL is exhausting. Let the man play cricket in peace.
K
Karthik V
The real issue is the auction price hanging over his head. 27 crores creates unreal expectations. Maybe we should judge him as a captain and player, not as a 27-crore asset. His leadership was decent last year despite the batting form.

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