“It’s been a tough season for us, and there is no running away from that, but one person for us who has had the most difficult time is our owner, Mr Goenka; he’s one of those guys,” Rishabh Pant admitted after yet another disappointing match on May 4, 2026. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have struggled significantly this IPL season, with only two wins in their first eight matches.
As the team faces mounting pressure, former players have voiced their opinions. Manoj Tiwary stated bluntly, “Rishabh Pant should be released from captaincy pressure.” This sentiment echoes through the cricketing community, where doubts about Pant’s effectiveness as a leader are becoming increasingly vocal.
The backdrop of this turmoil is stark: LSG has suffered six consecutive losses. Amidst this chaos, Pant himself has managed to score 204 runs in nine matches, with a highest score of 68 not out. Yet his individual performance does not translate into team success.
Sanjiv Goenka, the team’s owner, remains hopeful despite the setbacks. Following a recent BJP electoral victory in West Bengal—where they secured over 205 out of 294 assembly seats—Goenka expressed optimism about future prospects. “The dreams, hopes, and aspirations of the people of Bengal have been reignited with this unprecedented result,” he proclaimed.
However, the mood within LSG is far from optimistic. The upcoming match against RCB on May 7 will be crucial. It may determine not only the fate of the team’s season but also Pant’s position as captain.
The stakes are high as LSG navigates this turbulent period. With each passing game, the pressure mounts on both Rishabh Pant and Sanjiv Goenka to deliver results that can turn around their fortunes in IPL 2026.
