On the eve of season’s first IPL match on the home ground, Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka is quite optimistic about the team’s performance. In an interview with Shalabh Saxena, he reflects on his evolution as a cricket franchise owner, strengths of the LSG squad, and his confidence in the leadership of Rishabh Pant. Edited excerpts:Q. Looking back at your journey from Rising Pune Supergiant to Lucknow Super Giants, what key lessons have shaped your approach to franchise ownership?Every season is a new learning. You learn from your experiences – from the positives, from the mistakes. But the good take away is confidence, and not over confidence.Q. The combination of Lucknow Super Giants looks strong. Do you still feel the team missed out on anything at the auction?At the end of the auction, the team looks good. If you had asked me if we have good players, then the answer is ‘yes’. Are our coaches and captain satisfied? The answer is ‘yes’.Q. You have a decent pace attack this time with the inclusion of Shami. But injury has been an issue in the past two seasons. Hope everything is aligned on that front?The team looks strong. Thankfully, we don’t have any injury issues.Q. How do you think Rishabh Pant’s leadership style will influence the team’s dynamics and performance this season?Rishabh is an instinctive leader, and I have confidence in him and his ability.Q. What are LSG’s biggest strengths? And weaknesses, if you consider any? How are you addressing those areas?Last year, injuries to our bowlers were our weakness. This year, we have kept enough reserves in batting and bowling. We have worked on the fitness of our players throughout the year. And by the grace of God, everyone seems fit.Q. With Langer, Williamson, and Moody, you have a formidable star-studded coaching staff. How will their different styles shape the team’s strategy and performance?We work beautifully together.Q. Lucknow Super Giants have brought emerging talents like Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi, and Ayush Badoni into the spotlight. Does contributing to their growth, while also strengthening Indian cricket, give you satisfaction?Absolutely. We have emerging talents and they are being utilised to their best abilities and contributing to their growth is very satisfying.Q. Recently, franchises like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals were valued at whopping amounts. You bought LSG with a record bid of over Rs 7,000 crore. What do you think the IPL is doing right to build such a strong brand?The administration of BCCI and IPL are in safe hands. They have done a brilliant job of managing the league.Q. How do you see the role of sports franchises evolving as business assets in India over the next decade?I have always maintained that sports franchises will become extremely good business assets and it’s becoming a good payout. ‘Kissa abhi baaki hai’.Q. How do you strike a balance between commercial success and maintaining the spirit of the game?Success of the team influences franchises to an extent. They are both intertwined and at the end of the day, every franchise plays to win.Q. You have teams in leagues like the Indian Super League, Manchester Super Giants and SA20. Are you considering expanding into any other sports or leagues?Let us see.Q. As an owner, you would want everyone to contribute. But if you had to pick five key players who could drive the team to its maiden title, who would they be?It is unfair to pick a few players. This is a team sport, and everyone is important.Q: Local boy Naman Tiwari is part of your squad this season, which could help strengthen the team’s connection with the city. Beyond that, what initiatives is the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group undertaking in Lucknow to establish a stronger local connect?I am delighted to have Naman Tiwari in LSG as he is an extremely good talent and is bowling exceedingly well.
