'Read the speculations and smiled...': LSG owner Goenka debunks rumours around Pant’s captaincy

NEW DELHI: Sanjiv Goenka, owner of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), dismissed rumours about Rishabh Pant’s captaincy following ‘fake reports’ that suggested the wicketkeeper-batter was losing his leadership role at the franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season and wished the 28-year-old luck for the tournament.

The LSG captain faced intense scrutiny for his subpar performances during IPL 2025. There were high hopes for the left-handed player after he was bought for an impressive Rs. 27 crores in last year's mega auction, but he could not rise to the occasion. Ahead of the 19th edition of the tournament, rumours about replacing him as captain began to circulate.

However, Goenka debunked all such speculations and lauded his ‘character and commitment’ before wishing for him to have ‘a great season.’

“Heading into the season, I had read the speculations around @RishabhPant17's captaincy and smiled. We’ve spent enough time together to know his character and commitment. Have a great season, Cap!” Goenka wrote in an X post on Thursday.