Sanjiv Goenka Shifts Focus to Prince Yadav Amid Rishabh Pant’s India Squad Snub
The Evolving Narrative at Lucknow Super Giants
The relationship between Rishabh Pant and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has remained a subject of intense speculation throughout the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Following previous viral controversies involving heated exchanges on the field—which the franchise later downplayed as misunderstandings—a new chapter of intrigue has emerged following the latest developments from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
A Challenging Period for Rishabh Pant
The recent announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan brought significant disappointment for Rishabh Pant. The explosive wicketkeeper-batter was notably excluded from the ODI squad, and simultaneously, he lost his position as the vice-captain in the Test setup, with KL Rahul stepping into the role. These omissions have sparked widespread debate among cricket pundits and fans regarding Pant’s current standing in the national team hierarchy.
Given the history between Pant and the LSG management, observers were keen to see how the franchise leadership would respond to these national team setbacks. However, Sanjiv Goenka opted for a strategic silence regarding the captain’s national exclusion, shifting the narrative entirely toward a different success story within his own camp.
Celebrating Prince Yadav’s Rise
Rather than addressing the discourse surrounding Pant, Sanjiv Goenka utilized social media to highlight a brighter development for the franchise: the maiden India call-up for young pacer Prince Yadav. Goenka took to X to express his pride in the youngster’s achievement.
“Delighted to see Prince Yadav earn his maiden ODI call-up for India. His rise this IPL season has been a joy to witness. He has the heart, the hunger, and the fearlessness to take on the best. This is just the beginning. Congratulations, Prince. I’m proud of you, and so is @LucknowIPL. Make India proud,” Goenka wrote.
This public display of support stands in stark contrast to his earlier comparisons of Pant’s leadership stature to legends like MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, and Virat Kohli. By ignoring the Pant controversy in favor of celebrating Yadav, Goenka has effectively steered the conversation toward the future talent being nurtured under the LSG banner.
The Breakthrough Season for Prince Yadav
Prince Yadav has undeniably been a revelation for Lucknow Super Giants in 2026. After a challenging introduction to the league in 2025, where he managed only three wickets in six matches at an economy rate near 10, the young bowler has undergone a remarkable transformation. In the current season, he has secured 16 wickets in 12 matches, proving to be a nightmare for opposing batters with his consistent pace and accuracy.
His performance metrics—which include multiple two-wicket spells and two standout three-wicket hauls—have cemented his role as a key asset. With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for the national squad, the selectors identified Yadav as an emerging pace option capable of filling the void on the international stage.
LSG’s Struggles Under Pant’s Leadership
While the emergence of Prince Yadav provides a glimmer of optimism, the broader outlook for the Lucknow Super Giants remains difficult. The team is currently languishing at the bottom of the points table, having secured only four victories from their 12 matches. With a total of just eight points, the franchise faces significant pressure to rectify its course.
Pant’s captaincy and personal form have come under heavy scrutiny as the team struggles with inconsistency across both batting and bowling departments. As the season approaches its conclusion, the disconnect between the franchise’s on-field performance and the public posturing of its owner highlights the complex environment surrounding the Lucknow Super Giants today.
