IPL 2026: ‘Have Full Confidence in Our Captain and Team’ — Sanjiv Goenka Backs LSG After Defeat vs DC

Hours after the visuals of his animated chat with Rishabh Pant had gone viral on social media, Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka has shown faith in the team and the skipper despite their loss against Delhi Capitals in Lucknow on Wednesday in the side’s first IPL 2026 game. 

Goenka took to social media and made a post on his official X handle. “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,” Goenka wrote.

“To our fans, thank you for your support at Ekana today, we will come back stronger. The story of @LucknowIPL this season is far from written,” he added.

The Animated Conversation

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka was seen having discussions with Rishabh Pant and the team management post the loss against Delhi Capitals at Ekana Stadium. The social media fans were quick enough to go down memory lane and pointed out that similar visuals had gone viral when KL Rahul was the captain of the side. 

Rubbing off all the rumours, Goenka’s post has cleared the air on the conversation he had with Pant on Wednesday. 

LSG Lose to DC

Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs’ tenacious stand with the bat helped Delhi Capitals (DC) register a six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in both teams’ first match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), on Wednesday at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.

In a match that seemed to be moving towards a low-scoring thriller after LSG posted 141 in 18.4 overs, DC showcased their middle-order resilience to clinch the victory with 17 balls remaining. Despite a rocky start to their chase, DC’s Sameer Rizvi (70* off 47 balls) and Tristan Stubbs (39* off 32 balls) turned the tide with a match-winning partnership.

DC’s chase began in disastrous fashion as Mohammed Shami, making his LSG debut, struck on the very first ball to dismiss KL Rahul for a golden duck. Shortly after, Mohsin Khan removed Nitish Rana (15), and Prince Yadav claimed two wickets in a single over–including the big scalp of skipper Axar Patel for a duck–leaving DC reeling at 30/4 after five overs.

With their backs against the wall, Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs joined forces. The duo initially played with caution, navigating the tricky middle overs before shifting gears. Rizvi was the aggressor, reaching a brilliant half-century in just 37 balls. His unbeaten 119-run partnership off 76 balls with Stubbs effectively took the game away from the hosts.

While LSG’s bowlers, particularly Mohsin Khan (1/19 in 4 overs) and the debutant Prince Yadav (2/20 in 3 overs), showed great heart, the target of 142 proved just too small to defend against the composure of Rizvi and Stubbs.

(With Agency Inputs)

Also Read: WATCH | Sanjiv Goenka’s Animated Chat with Rishabh Pant Sparks Buzz After LSG Defeat in IPL 2026