Sanjiv Goenka has criticised what he describes as unfair social media scrutiny following a viral interaction with Rishabh Pant. Speaking in an exclusive interview on Walk The Talk with NDTV CEO and Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal, the Lucknow Super Giants Owner addressed the growing focus on his on-field presence and the way isolated visuals are amplified into defining storylines. The comments come as LSG continue to navigate a challenging start to the season, with leadership decisions and team dynamics under close observation.
Social media narrative comes under scrutiny
Expanding on the reaction to his exchange with Pant, he pushed back against the way the moment was portrayed online. “Look, with a player like Rishabh, there is never a ‘daat’ (scolding) situation. But on social media, even if Sanjiv Goenka moves his hands a certain way, it becomes breaking news. I’ve become a very convenient punching bag. If you run a headline saying ‘Sanjiv Goenka scolds his player,’ you get instant views,” he said. The rapid spread of short clips has increasingly shaped how franchise leadership is perceived, particularly when context is limited.
He also pointed to how non-verbal communication has contributed to repeated misinterpretations, highlighting the role of optics in modern sports coverage. “It’s funny how a simple gesture or hand movement outside the field becomes a national headline. I am naturally someone who speaks with a lot of hand movements, but seeing how things get misinterpreted, I am now literally learning to keep my hands behind my back while talking!” he added. That shift reflects a broader adjustment to the scrutiny that comes with high-visibility ownership roles in the IPL.
Pant incident adds context to wider debate
The episode gained traction after LSG’s defeat to Delhi Capitals, when Goenka was seen speaking with Pant near the boundary, as previously reported by cricexec. In that match, LSG failed to defend a target of 210 despite reducing DC to 113 for six, before Ashutosh Sharma’s unbeaten 66 off 31 balls sealed the chase with three balls remaining. Pant, who was signed for INR 27 crore (approx. US$3 million), was dismissed for a six-ball duck and faced questions over late-game decisions, including his bowling changes in the closing overs.
Perception versus reality inside the dressing room
Beyond the immediate incident, Goenka argued that individual moments are being used to define broader perceptions around both individuals and team environments. “People need to understand that one incident doesn’t define a person. We make mistakes, we learn, and we ensure we don’t repeat them. The dressing room is happy, and the environment is positive; these outside narratives aren’t actual issues,” he noted. The gap between internal realities and external narratives has become a recurring theme for franchises operating under constant digital scrutiny.
Owner responds to interference claims
He also addressed long-standing suggestions that he interferes in cricketing matters, dismissing the idea that ownership extends into technical decision-making. “How do I respond to critics who say I interfere? Honestly, for someone who has never played professional cricket, it would be foolish of me to tell my players how to play. I have a massive team of experts who handle the technical side of the game,” he said. The comment reinforces the operational structure within modern IPL teams, where coaching staff and analysts drive strategy.
He further clarified his position within that structure, emphasising the distinction between involvement and influence. “Yes, I am passionate about the team. I want them to succeed and do well, but I don’t understand the nuances of cricket the way an expert does. It would be completely out of place for me to give ‘cricketing lessons’ to professional athletes. My role is to support the team, not to coach them,” he added. With LSG currently placed low in the standings, the focus now shifts to improving their position as the season progresses.
