Sanjiv Goenka Engages with Lucknow Super Giants Ahead of IPL 2026
Sanjiv Goenka's Visit to LSG
Before the commencement of IPL 2026, Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), met with the team's captain, Rishabh Pant, along with other players at their hotel on Saturday, March 21. Goenka, accompanied by several players and coaches, visited the Ram Mandir to seek blessings. He expressed his excitement about meeting the team and shared a heartfelt message on social media, stating, "There are rooms where you walk in and immediately feel the energy shift. Spent time with the @LucknowIPL squad in Lucknow today, and that is exactly what happened." He further noted, "These are young men with hunger in their eyes and something to prove, and being around that kind of spirit is genuinely energising. A collective desire to win is something you cannot manufacture. You either have it or you do not. This group has it. The season ahead feels very promising. @RishabhPant17 @MdShami11."
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Rishabh Pant will continue to captain LSG in IPL 2026, having been acquired for a significant amount of Rs 27 crore. Despite this investment, he faced challenges last season, contributing to LSG's disappointing performance, where they secured only six victories. Pant accumulated 269 runs over 13 innings, which included one century and one half-century. The management is optimistic about his leadership in the upcoming season, as LSG has yet to reach an IPL final. They were eliminated in the 2022 and 2023 seasons and did not progress past the league stage in 2025 and 2026.
New Additions to LSG's Squad
Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar Join LSG
To strengthen their bowling lineup, LSG has acquired Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar through trades. Shami was signed from Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 10 crore, bringing his wicket-taking prowess to the team. Arjun, a bowling all-rounder, has shown his capability to contribute with the bat as well, having opened for Goa in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He was previously part of the Mumbai Indians from IPL 2021 to 2025. LSG traded Shardul Thakur to MI as part of these changes.