Lalit Modi slams Sanjiv Goenka after Rishabh Pant steps down as LSG captain

Rishabh Pant’s decision to step down as Lucknow Super Giants captain has triggered fresh discussion around the franchise, with former IPL chairman Lalit Modi criticising LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka over the team’s handling of its players.

LSG confirmed that Pant requested to be relieved of captaincy duties following a disappointing IPL 2026 season. The franchise finished at the bottom of the table with just four wins in 14 matches, bringing an end to Pant’s two-year stint as skipper.

Modi questions franchise culture

Reacting to the development, Modi aimed at Goenka and suggested, “ That was fast. And here @DrSanjivGoenka went Blah blah all over media how He will keep @rishabhpant for 10-15 years. I can bet anything the young player could not stay a day longer in a Team owned by this man, as he could not take the public humiliation he was subjected to. Sad day for @LucknowIPL when the owner makes conditions such that the player must resign.”

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He also added, “That owner may own the team, but is banned from access to team and can enjoy the dividends of his investment but barred from player interaction. This kind of draconian steps must be put in place to safeguard player mental health and it’s time I say again – owners banned from auctions / Play area / interaction with players on field of play. They can visit field of Play only post game as is the case in most major leagues. The team management needs to be empowered to do everything.”

His comments come against the backdrop of several viral moments during the season, where Goenka was seen having animated discussions with Pant after matches. Similar incidents involving former LSG captain KL Rahul had also attracted attention in previous seasons.

From record signing to captaincy exit

Pant joined LSG ahead of the 2025 season for a record ₹27 crore and was viewed as the long-term face of the franchise. The wicketkeeper-batter was handed the captaincy immediately, with expectations of leading the team into a new era.

Also Read | Why did Rishabh Pant step down as LSG captain after IPL 2026?

However, consecutive poor campaigns and mounting pressure ultimately led to a change in direction. While Pant will continue as a player, LSG must now identify a new captain and rebuild after another underwhelming season.

The development has also reignited debate over the role of franchise owners in team affairs and whether public interactions with players can affect leadership and dressing-room dynamics.