‘Made Me a Punching Bag’: Sanjiv Goenka Reacts to Viral Videos with KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant

LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka addressed the viral videos featuring KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, denying any scolding and saying that social media had misinterpreted interactions during IPL 2026.

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka addressed repeated social media reactions to his viral on-field interaction videos with captains. His earlier exchange with KL Rahul had gone viral a few years ago. A similar moment with Rishabh Pant last season also drew attention.

In IPL 2026, another video surfaced after LSG’s home loss to Delhi Capitals. It triggered speculation about tension within the team. The franchise later shared a video to clarify the situation.

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When queried about this, Goenka stated that fans often misread such moments online. He explained that his natural communication style involved hand gestures, which created misleading impressions. He also pointed to the rise of AI-generated and morphed clips circulating online.

“With Rishabh, there has never been a ‘daant’ (scolding) situation ever. In social media, things like ‘Sanjiv Goenka raising his finger’ get them views. So, Sanjiv Goenka ko punching bag bana do (make Sanjiv Goenka a punching bag),” Goenka said to NDTV.

“I’m a person who naturally talks with gestures. So, I’m learning to keep my hands behind. Because everything, and you can take an angle out of context. There are so many morphed versions, there are so many AI-generated versions. But that’s it. I mean, what can I do? I can only be myself. And at the end of the day, I’m fairly clear of being me,” he added.

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Goenka also added that he did not interfere in cricketing matters. He relied on professional experts for team decisions. He maintained that he preferred to remain authentic despite ongoing criticism.

“For a person who has never really played cricket, it would be foolish to tell my cricketers how to play. I have a big team of experts to do that,” he concluded.