LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka addresses criticism, dismisses online scrutiny as unfair

Whenever the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) face a setback in the Indian Premier League, owner Sanjiv Goenka inevitably becomes a topic of discussion on social media. Known for his deep passion for cricket, Goenka is often seen engaging directly with players on the field. A recent chat with captain Rishabh Pant quickly reminded fans of Goenka’s animated conversation with former skipper KL Rahul in 2024.Edited clips of the exchange circulated online, sparking renewed controversy.

In an exclusive conversation with NDTV on "Walk The Talk," Goenka described himself as often becoming a “punching bag” for social media narratives designed to attract views. Commenting on the recent chat with Pant, Goenka clarified that the interaction was far from the scolding portrayed in clips.

“Listen, with a player like Rishabh, there is never any scolding involved. Yet on social media, even a simple hand gesture of mine is blown up into breaking news. I’ve become an easy target. Headlines like ‘Sanjiv Goenka scolds his player’ draw instant attention, regardless of the reality,” Goenka said to NDTV.

He stressed that public perception is frequently distorted by isolated moments. 

Goenka also acknowledged that his natural communication style, particularly his hand gestures, is often misinterpreted. This has prompted him to consciously adjust how he presents himself during conversations.

“It’s amusing how a small gesture or hand movement off the field can make national headlines. I naturally speak with lots of hand gestures, but seeing how they are often misinterpreted, I am now consciously trying to keep my hands behind my back while talking,” he added.

As the owner of a high-profile IPL franchise, Goenka has occasionally faced accusations of meddling in technical cricketing decisions. He dismissed these claims as illogical, emphasising that such interference does not occur.

“How can I respond to claims that I interfere? Honestly, I have never played professional cricket, so it would be absurd for me to tell players how to play. I rely entirely on my team of experts who manage all technical aspects of the game.”