‘The captain set the tone’: LSG Owner Goenka Hails team’s win amid Pant-linked chatter

The Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka emphasised patience and collective belief after his side pulled off a thrilling last-over victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League 2026.

Chasing 157 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday, Lucknow edged home by five wickets with just one ball to spare. Skipper Rishabh Pant anchored the chase under pressure, guiding his team over the line after a spirited effort from the hosts.

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Reflecting on the win, Goenka underlined that success in a long tournament is built on time, trust, and alignment within the group. He credited the leadership core and clarity in roles for helping the team deliver in crunch moments, while also acknowledging there is room for growth.

“Building a season takes time, patience, and collective belief. Today reflected all three. The captain set the tone, and the group followed with clarity and discipline. That alignment is what allows a team to grow. A step forward, with a long way still to go. Grateful for the support. We keep building from here,” Goenka shared in an Instagram post.

Earlier, Lucknow’s bowlers laid the platform by restricting Hyderabad to 156/9 despite a steady middle-order stand between Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Mohammed Shami starred with an exceptional spell of 2/9 in four overs.

However, the chase was intense, with Pant maintaining his composure in the final moment to secure the victory.

The win also comes in the backdrop of recent off-field chatter involving Goenka and Pant following LSG’s loss to Delhi Capitals. Viral visuals had shown an animated on-field exchange between the duo and head coach Justin Langer, sparking speculation of a public disagreement and drawing comparisons to Goenka’s earlier interaction with KL Rahul.

However, the franchise later shared an extended clip portraying a more relaxed exchange, maintaining that it was a passionate discussion rather than a confrontation. Goenka has since publicly backed Pant, even as fan reactions to the clarification remain divided.

The result not only marked Lucknow’s first victory of the season but also injected much-needed momentum into their campaign. They will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens on Thursday.