“It’s been a tough season for us, and there is no running away from that, but one person for us who has had the most difficult time is our owner, Mr Goenka; he’s one of those guys,” said Rishabh Pant, reflecting on the struggles of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2026.
LSG currently sits at the bottom of the table with just two wins in eight matches, raising questions about Pant’s effectiveness as captain. His performance has also suffered; he has scored 204 runs across nine matches, with a highest score of 68 not out.
Former players like Manoj Tiwary have suggested that LSG should consider removing Pant from his captaincy role. Tiwary stated, “Rishabh Pant should be released from captaincy pressure,” emphasizing that the burden may be impacting his batting performance.
The mounting pressure on Pant coincides with LSG’s six consecutive losses, which have left fans and analysts concerned about the team’s direction. The upcoming match against RCB on May 7 will be crucial for both Pant and the franchise.
Sanjiv Goenka, LSG’s owner, recently expressed optimism about another venture—his hopes for West Bengal following the BJP’s electoral victory. The BJP secured over 205 out of 294 assembly seats, reigniting aspirations among party supporters.
The juxtaposition of Goenka’s political success and LSG’s struggles highlights a complex narrative around leadership and expectations within both cricket and politics. As LSG grapples with its form, Goenka’s focus may need to shift back to his cricketing franchise.
As the IPL progresses, all eyes will be on how LSG responds to its current challenges. A decisive victory against RCB could stabilize the team and provide much-needed relief for both Pant and Goenka.
