Lucknow Super Giants Owner Sanjiv Goenka Reflects on Social Media Criticism Ahead of IPL 2026
Sanjiv Goenka Addresses Social Media Backlash
As the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches, Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has spoken out about the trolling he has encountered on social media due to the team's inconsistent performance. Since their inaugural season in 2022, LSG made it to the playoffs in their first two years but fell to 7th place in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Goenka expressed his confusion regarding social media dynamics, admitting that he often feels like a target for fans when the team underperforms. He acknowledged that mistakes were made last season, stating that the team lacked the necessary strength to compete for the title. Despite this, he defended Rishabh Pant's captaincy, emphasizing that a captain's effectiveness is limited without key players. "What can any captain do without his four main bowlers? You need to consider the circumstances he faced. I have immense faith in Rishabh. I find it amusing when people speculate about his future with the team. Some social media platforms seem to thrive on controversy, and I often become an easy target for criticism. I don't fully grasp social media, only about 2-5% of it, so I can't pinpoint the reasons behind the trolling. However, I remain secure in myself and my decisions," Goenka remarked during an interview.
He further elaborated on the team's past errors, including auction mistakes and inadequate preparations, and expressed optimism about the upcoming season. Goenka highlighted the importance of a balanced squad, referencing the strategic decisions made regarding player acquisitions. He noted the value of investing wisely, citing the example of Josh Inglis and comparing it to other players' costs. "People might think spending 8 crores on Inglis is excessive, but it allows us to make strategic choices elsewhere. Last season, Mitch Marsh had an outstanding performance, scoring 700 runs in the IPL," he added.
Goenka views the trolling as a learning opportunity, acknowledging that miscommunication has contributed to the negative perceptions. He stated, "Yes, we have faced criticism, and our management has informed me about it. It's part of the learning process. Clearly, there are areas where we need to improve our communication. Some criticism comes from genuine fans, while others may be motivated by different agendas. We need to ensure our message is conveyed effectively to avoid misunderstandings. If mistakes are made, it's crucial to acknowledge them and commit to improvement. This principle applies to individuals, organizations, and teams alike. We are continuously learning and evolving in our approach to cricket," Goenka concluded.