Sanjiv Goenka, owner of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has never been shy about expressing his views on cricket, and his recent social media activity is no exception. Following the first Test between India and England at Headingley, where both Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul scored centuries, Goenka took to X (formerly Twitter) to laud their performances, albeit with contrasting brevity.
Goenka's post, celebrating the centuries, highlighted the two players, both of whom have captained his IPL franchise. Rishabh Pant, the current captain of LSG, earned high praise from Goenka. "Two good! Back-to-back centuries for @RishabhPant17. Aggressive, audacious, brilliant," Goenka wrote, emphasizing Pant's dynamic and fearless approach. He also noted Pant becoming only the second wicketkeeper in history to score a century in both innings of a Test match, and the first Indian to achieve the feat in England. This effusive praise underscored Pant's remarkable achievement and Goenka's excitement over his captain's success.
In contrast, Goenka's message for KL Rahul, who led LSG from 2022 to 2024, was succinct: "Congratulations also to @klrahul for his hundred." While a congratulatory message is customary, the brevity compared to the description of Pant's innings did not go unnoticed. Rahul's century was a patient 137 off 247 deliveries, a stark contrast to Pant's aggressive innings of 118 off 140 balls in the second innings, and 134 off 178 in the first innings.
This difference in tone has sparked discussions, especially in light of past events involving Goenka and Rahul. There have been reports of a rift between the two, particularly after LSG's heavy loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in a previous IPL season. A visible, animated discussion between Goenka and Rahul went viral, fueling speculation about their relationship. Rahul was subsequently not retained by LSG and was picked up by Delhi Capitals (DC). Even recently, during an IPL 2025 match between DC and LSG, Rahul appeared to snub a congratulatory gesture from Goenka, further highlighting the strained dynamic.
The social media post, therefore, adds another layer to the narrative. It's worth noting that earlier in the IPL season, after a loss to DC, Goenka was seen in conversation with Pant, reminiscent of his interaction with Rahul, which led to comparisons and commentary on Goenka's management style. Some have described Goenka as a demanding owner who expects strong results, while others, like former LSG spinner Amit Mishra, have defended him as someone who simply wants the best for his team.
Regardless of the interpretation, Goenka's recent post reflects the different dynamics he shares with Pant and Rahul. Pant, who also reached his century with a six, was lauded for his aggressive approach, which Goenka sees as a sign of the "future of Indian cricket." Rahul, while acknowledged, received a comparatively understated congratulation. The contrasting tones highlight not only their different batting styles but also the evolving relationships within the Lucknow Super Giants and the broader context of Indian cricket. Ultimately, both centuries contributed significantly to India's strong position in the Test match, showcasing the depth and talent within the Indian batting lineup.
