Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has opened up about his relationship with Rishabh Pant following the wicketkeeper-batter’s departure from the franchise. Despite Pant’s blockbuster move back to Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of IPL 2027, Goenka revealed that their relationship remains positive and that they have continued to stay in touch.
Pant joined LSG ahead of the 2025 season for a record ₹27 crore, becoming the most expensive player in IPL history at the time. He was also handed the captaincy after replacing KL Rahul. However, Lucknow failed to qualify for the playoffs in both seasons under Pant, eventually leading to a change in leadership and, later, the player’s departure.
Sanjiv Goenka reveals what he told Rishabh Pant
Speaking on a podcast with Shubhankar Mishra, Goenka was asked about his final conversation with Pant before the latter returned to Delhi Capitals.
The LSG owner made it clear that their last interaction was not simply about the trade.
“Our last conversation wasn’t just about the trade. We have continued to speak even after that,” Goenka said.
When asked about what he told Pant, Goenka kept his response warm and straightforward.
“Good luck to him and best wishes. We have planned to have dinner one of these days,” he added.
The comments suggest that Pant’s exit from LSG has not resulted in any lasting bitterness between the player and the franchise owner.
Pant’s LSG chapter ends after two seasons
Pant’s time with LSG proved to be considerably more difficult than expected. After being signed for a record fee, he was expected to become the face of the franchise and guide the team towards sustained success.
Instead, LSG missed the playoffs in both 2025 and 2026. Pant also faced criticism for his individual performances during his final season.
In IPL 2026, Pant scored 312 runs in 14 matches, with a strike rate of 138.05 and only one half-century. LSG finished 10th in the league standings after winning just four matches. Pant subsequently stepped down as captain before his eventual trade.
Ahead of IPL 2027, Pant was traded to Delhi Capitals for ₹15 crore, while India spinner Kuldeep Yadav moved to LSG. The deal marked Pant’s return to the franchise where his IPL career began.
Goenka dismisses rift rumours with Pant
Goenka’s latest comments are particularly significant because his relationship with Pant had previously attracted considerable attention.
During IPL 2026, footage of Goenka having an animated conversation with Pant went viral on social media, leading to speculation about tension between the two. However, Goenka later denied ever scolding the wicketkeeper-batter and said he had always shared a good relationship with him.
Goenka has previously described Pant as someone with an innocent and playful personality, while insisting that one incident should not define their relationship.
His latest revelation further indicates that the two have remained on good terms even after Pant’s exit from LSG.
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Pant set to begin new chapter with Delhi Capitals
Pant will now return to Delhi Capitals, the team with which he made his IPL debut in 2016 and spent eight seasons. His move back to Delhi gives him an opportunity to revive his fortunes after two challenging campaigns with Lucknow.
Despite their franchise relationship coming to an end, Goenka’s comments show that the association between the two extends beyond IPL business.
For now, Pant will focus on his return to DC, while Goenka and LSG look ahead with Kuldeep Yadav as part of their new setup. But if Goenka’s comments are anything to go by, the door remains open for the former LSG captain to share a meal with his former owner sometime soon.
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