Sanjiv Goenka Ignores Rishabh Pant After India Squad Snub, Praises Prince Yadav

The Growing Tension Between Ownership and Leadership

The relationship between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka and franchise captain Rishabh Pant has remained a focal point of discussion throughout the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The scrutiny intensified following a viral interaction earlier in the campaign where Goenka was captured in an animated discussion with the wicketkeeper-batter. While the franchise later clarified that the incident was blown out of proportion, recent events have once again thrust the duo into the headlines.

The Recent National Setback for Rishabh Pant

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled the national squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan, delivering a significant blow to Rishabh Pant’s immediate international prospects. The explosive batter was omitted from the ODI setup, and in a further demotion, he lost his vice-captaincy role in the Test format, with KL Rahul stepping into that leadership position. This dual snub has become one of the most debated topics in Indian cricket circles, yet the reaction from his IPL boss has been notably selective.

Sanjiv Goenka’s Strategic Silence

Rather than addressing the exclusion of his team’s captain from the national squad, Sanjiv Goenka chose to pivot his public focus toward a rising star within his own ranks. Taking to the social media platform X, Goenka shared a celebratory post regarding Prince Yadav, who earned his maiden ODI call-up for India. The message was glowing, emphasizing the young pacer’s journey and potential.

“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,” Goenka stated.

This public display of support for Yadav stands in stark contrast to the silence surrounding Pant. The distinction is particularly interesting considering that Goenka had previously lauded Pant’s leadership stature by comparing him to legends such as MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, and Virat Kohli. By choosing to highlight Yadav’s achievement while remaining completely silent on Pant’s national team struggles, the owner has inadvertently fueled further speculation about the current state of affairs within the LSG camp.

Prince Yadav: The Silver Lining for LSG

Amidst the team’s collective struggles, Prince Yadav has emerged as the definitive bright spot for Lucknow Super Giants. The right-arm fast bowler has transformed his performance levels significantly since joining the franchise in 2025. After a difficult debut season where he struggled with both form and economy, the 2026 IPL has seen him become a frontline strike bowler.

• 2026 Performance: 16 wickets in 12 matches.
• Consistent Impact: Multiple two-wicket spells and two impressive three-wicket hauls.
• Growth: From an economy rate near 10 in previous outings to becoming a reliable wicket-taking option.

With star pacer Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for the upcoming series, the selectors have looked toward emerging talent, and Yadav’s consistent performances in the IPL ensured his selection was merit-based.

Pant’s Challenging Season at the Helm

While the franchise celebrates Yadav’s national recognition, the broader narrative for Lucknow Super Giants remains grim. The team currently languishes at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table, having secured only four victories from 12 matches. The lack of consistency in both batting and bowling has placed significant pressure on the coaching staff and, specifically, on Rishabh Pant’s leadership. As the season nears its conclusion, the focus will likely remain on whether the team can reconcile these internal pressures to finish the tournament on a higher note, or if the ongoing narrative surrounding its captain will continue to overshadow their on-field efforts.