Sanjiv Goenka Ignores Rishabh Pant After India Squad Snub, Praises Prince Yadav
The Evolving Dynamic at Lucknow Super Giants
The relationship between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has remained a focal point of discussion throughout the IPL 2026 season. This scrutiny follows a highly publicized moment earlier in the tournament where the pair was captured on camera in what appeared to be an animated, heated discussion. While the franchise later clarified that the incident was blown out of proportion, recent events have once again thrust the duo back into the headlines.
The Recent India Squad Snub
The latest point of contention arises from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) announcement regarding the national squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan. The roster brought significant disappointment for Rishabh Pant, who was notably dropped from the ODI squad. Furthermore, his standing within the Test setup has also shifted, with KL Rahul stepping in as the new vice-captain, effectively sidelining Pant from his previous leadership responsibilities.
As these developments sent shockwaves through the cricket community, the public response from the LSG hierarchy became a subject of intense speculation. While many expected a show of support for their franchise leader, Sanjiv Goenka’s reaction proved to be conspicuously different.
Public Celebration for Prince Yadav
Instead of addressing the challenging news surrounding Pant, Sanjiv Goenka shifted the narrative toward the success of another LSG talent. Taking to the social media platform X, Goenka offered a glowing public endorsement of young pacer Prince Yadav, who earned his maiden India call-up following an exceptional IPL season.
Goenka’s message was effusive: “Delighted to see Prince Yadav earn his maiden ODI call-up for India. His rise this IPL season has been a joy to witness. He has the heart, the hunger, and the fearlessness to take on the best. This is just the beginning. Congratulations, Prince. I’m proud of you, and so is @LucknowIPL. Make India proud.”
The silence regarding Pant is particularly notable given that Goenka had previously spoken in high terms of the wicketkeeper, even comparing his captaincy stature to icons such as MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, and Virat Kohli. This sharp pivot from discussing his captain to celebrating his emerging stars highlights the shifting priorities within the LSG camp.
Prince Yadav’s Meteoric Rise
The acclaim for Prince Yadav is well-founded. The right-arm fast bowler has evolved into a cornerstone of the Lucknow Super Giants’ bowling attack during IPL 2026. With 16 wickets in 12 matches, Yadav has proven to be a consistent threat to opposing batters, demonstrating lethal pace and the ability to strike in high-pressure situations, highlighted by his multiple three-wicket hauls.
His journey has been one of significant transformation. After a challenging 2025 campaign where he struggled with an economy rate near 10, the young pacer has found his rhythm and confidence. With veteran Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for selection, the national selectors identified Yadav as an ideal candidate to bolster the pace battery, and he successfully capitalized on the opportunity.
Leadership Under Pressure
While the franchise celebrates the individual success of players like Yadav, the broader campaign for Lucknow Super Giants remains in a precarious position. Under the captaincy of Rishabh Pant, the team has endured a difficult IPL 2026 season. Currently languishing at the bottom of the points table, LSG has secured only four victories in 12 appearances, accumulating a total of eight points.
The team’s lack of consistency in both batting and bowling departments has subjected the squad to heavy criticism. With the season nearing its conclusion, the focus now shifts toward whether the leadership can stabilize the team’s performance or if the ongoing off-field developments will continue to cast a shadow over the franchise’s future.
