Lalit Modi criticised Sanjiv Goenka after his viral exchange with Rishabh Pant, calling the situation “absurd” and PR-driven. The incident, following LSG’s defeat, sparked backlash over owners publicly confronting players, intensifying debate around professionalism in the IPL.

The Lalit Modi vs Sanjiv Goenka row has added a fresh twist to the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 controversy involving Rishabh Pant, with sharp criticism and social media reactions intensifying the debate around franchise-owner conduct.

Viral Pant–Goenka exchange sparks outrage

The controversy erupted after Lucknow Super Giants’ defeat to Delhi Capitals, when cameras captured an animated on-field exchange between Goenka and Pant. The clip quickly went viral, with many fans interpreting it as a public dressing-down of the captain.

The incident reignited criticism of Goenka’s past behaviour, with fans arguing that such discussions should remain private rather than unfold in front of cameras and spectators.