'It's Been Challenging': Sanjiv Goenka Reflects on LSG’s Exit from IPL 2025 Under Rishabh Pant’s Leadership

New Delhi, May 20, 2025 — After a turbulent IPL 2025 campaign, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has broken his silence on the team’s early exit from the tournament. In a candid post-match interaction, Goenka acknowledged the struggles the team faced under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, calling the season "challenging" on multiple fronts.

LSG, who entered the season with high expectations and a strong squad on paper, failed to secure a playoff berth and were eliminated during the league stage. The team ended the season in the bottom half of the points table, plagued by inconsistent performances, injury setbacks, and batting collapses at crucial moments.

"It’s been challenging," Goenka admitted when asked about the season’s outcome. "There were many factors at play — leadership transition, player injuries, and some tactical missteps. It’s unfortunate we couldn’t live up to the potential this squad had."

One of the biggest stories around LSG this season was the decision to hand over captaincy duties to Rishabh Pant, who returned to active cricket after recovering from a major car accident in late 2022. While Pant brought charisma and flair to the side, critics pointed out lapses in on-field decision-making and team coordination.

Goenka, however, refrained from singling out Pant for the team’s failures. "Rishabh is a fantastic cricketer and a fighter. We knew it wouldn’t be easy for him coming back after such a long layoff. He’s still getting back into rhythm, and leading a team in such a competitive league is no small task. The entire unit takes collective responsibility," he said.

Throughout the season, LSG struggled to find consistency in both batting and bowling. Key players like KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran had flashes of brilliance but failed to deliver match-winning performances consistently. Injuries to frontline pacers further hampered their campaign.

Analysts have also pointed to a lack of clear strategy and over-dependence on a few individuals. Despite early wins, the team faltered in the latter stages, losing momentum when it mattered most.

Goenka emphasized that a full post-season review would take place soon. "We will sit down, evaluate what went wrong, and make the necessary changes. Fans deserve better, and we are committed to coming back stronger in 2026," he added.

LSG fans expressed disappointment on social media, but many appreciated Pant’s effort to return to top-tier cricket and lead the side despite fitness concerns.

With IPL 2026 a year away, questions loom over whether LSG will continue with Pant as captain or seek a fresh leadership approach. For now, Sanjiv Goenka's words signal both disappointment and resolve — a clear intention to regroup and rebuild.