Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Thursday reacted strongly to the growing narrative after a post-match clip featuring owner Sanjiv Goenka and captain Rishabh Pant went viral on social media, sparking comparisons with the infamous KL Rahul episode from a few seasons ago. However, fans remained unconvinced by the franchise’s explanation, as fresh speculation emerged around the so-called “unfiltered clip” released by LSG.
On Wednesday, Lucknow began their IPL 2026 campaign with a six-wicket defeat at the Ekana Stadium. While the loss exposed early frailties in the side, it was the post-match visuals that dominated the conversation online.
Broadcasters captured Goenka in what appeared to be an animated discussion with Pant, with head coach Justin Langer also present. With no audio available, the visuals quickly fuelled speculation, with many drawing parallels to the widely criticised interaction between Goenka and Rahul in 2024, which had sparked debate over the role of franchise owners in team matters.
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In response to the growing noise, LSG shared what it described as an “unfiltered clip,” suggesting the exchange was far more relaxed than initially perceived. The video showed Pant and Goenka in a seemingly cordial conversation, even sharing a hug.
The caption read: “Not everything you see is the true story, here’s the unfiltered post-match vibes, when cameras don’t cut.”
But the clarification failed to convince sections of fans. Many questioned the authenticity of the clip, pointing to noticeably empty stands in the background and suggesting that the video may not have been from the immediate post-match moment. Some even speculated that it could have been recreated to counter the narrative, though no such claim has been substantiated.
“Story of LSG this season is far from written”
Earlier, Goenka had refrained from addressing the controversy directly, instead focusing on the team’s long-term outlook in a social media post.
He wrote: “This is a long season, and moments like these are part of building something meaningful. I have full confidence in our captain and the team to respond with strength. To our fans, thank you for your support at Ekana today, we will come back stronger. The story of LSG this season is far from written.”
Lucknow will look to shift their focus from the off-field controversy to on-field troubles when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 5. SRH head into the game on the back of an emphatic 65-run win against 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on Thursday.
