Sanjiv Goenka clarifies chat with Rishabh Pant after LSG's defeat
What's the story
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has finally put to rest the recent speculation of his conversation with captain Rishabh Pant after their IPL 2025 loss to Delhi Capitals.
The match ended in a disappointing defeat for LSG and Pant, who missed a crucial stumping in the final over.
He bagged a duck with the bat.
After the setback, Pant was seen discussing strategies with head coach Justin Langer and Goenka.
Clarification
Goenka's response to speculation
The conversation ignited a flurry of discussions on social media, similar to Goenka's earlier chat with former captain KL Rahul during IPL 2024.
Amid the buzz, Goenka himself took to social media. He posted pictures from his meeting with Pant and Langer, writing: "Intensity on the ground, camaraderie off it. Looking ahead to the next one."
This statement seeks to dispel any rumors about their private conversation post-defeat.
Twitter Post
Here is the post!
Intensity on the ground, camaraderie off it. Looking ahead to the next one. #LSG #LSGvsDC pic.twitter.com/dGjlTlVBk7
— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) March 25, 2025
Match highlight
Ashutosh Sharma shines in Delhi Capitals's victory
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals's Ashutosh Sharma put up an exceptional batting show, scoring an unbeaten 66 runs.
His performance helped his team pull off a thrilling one-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Kings while chasing 210.
Notably, DC were reeling at 65/5 at one stage.
After the feat, Ashutosh dedicated his 'Player of the Match' award to mentor and former India opener Shikhar Dhawan.
Dedication
Ashutosh Sharma's tribute to mentor Dhawan
Ashutosh thanked Dhawan on a video call, which was shared by Delhi Capitals on their social media.
"He was really happy. Love you paaji," Ashutosh said in the video.
Looking back at his performance, he said: "Took the lessons from last year... Had the belief that if I play till the last over, anything can happen... Want to dedicate this award to my mentor Shikhar Paaji."
Post-match comments
Pant reflects on missed stumping opportunity
Despite the defeat, Pant refused to focus on his missed stumping opportunity in the match.
"Definitely, luck plays a part in this game... But these things happen in the game of cricket. You can't focus on these things, but rather, you need to play better cricket," he said.
Pant also praised his team's top-order batters for their performance and stressed learning from every match for improvement.