IPL 2026: LSG owner's reaction to Rishabh Pant's Hyderabad heroics goes viral

IPL 2026, SRH vs LSG: Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka looked more relieved than delighted after Rishabh Pant produced a match-winning knock in a low-scoring chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad. LSG opened their account with a five-wicket win in Hyderabad on Sunday.

In Short

• Lucknow Super Giants won their first match of IPL 2026 in Hyderabad
• Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 68 to help LSG complete a tricky chase
• Owner Sanjiv Goenka was more relieved than happy after the win on Sunday

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka cut an emotional figure as his side sealed their first win of IPL 2026, hailing Rishabh Pant's match-winning effort in a tense chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, April 5. HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD

Goenka, watching from the stands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, was visibly moved after Pant struck the winning runs in the final over. Lucknow stumbled and surged in equal measure while chasing 157, riding on Aiden Markram's brisk 45 off 27 balls and Pant's composed 68 not out from 50.

The win came as a relief. LSG, including Goenka and captain Pant, had come under scrutiny after a timid opening defeat at home to Delhi Capitals last Thursday. Footage of an intense post-match discussion involving Pant, Goenka and coach Justin Langer went viral, drawing criticism over its public nature. The franchise later released behind-the-scenes clips to calm the noise.

This time, the mood flipped. Goenka cheered from the stands while Langer led a standing ovation for Pant, who stayed unbeaten in a tricky chase.

After the formalities, Pant dropped to the turf, relief written all over him.

A fan also shared a post-match visual showing Sanjiv Goenka hugging Rishabh Pant, as celebrations broke out in the LSG camp in Hyderabad.

The chase had threatened to unravel. LSG slipped from 102 for 2 to 139 for 5, leaving them 28 short with 21 balls left. Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey tightened the screws further, dismissing Abdul Samad in the 18th over.

Pant responded with a boundary off the final ball of that over, keeping the equation in check. The stroke also brought up his first fifty of the season.

With newcomer Mukul Choudhary at the other end, Pant took charge. He stayed calm when Harshal Patel conceded just four in the 19th over.

Nine were needed off the last over. Pant attacked Jaydev Unadkat immediately, striking two boundaries in the first two balls to finish the job.

The relief was evident. Pant had waited until the final game last season for a match-winning contribution. This time, the Rs 27 crore signing delivered in just his second outing.

PANT DROPS HIMSELF TO NO. 3

After opening and falling cheaply in the previous match, Pant moved to No. 3. The proven pair of Mitchell Marsh and Markram set the tone early, putting pressure on the Sunrisers attack in the powerplay.

Markram led the charge with six fours and two sixes in his 45, keeping the chase on track despite Marsh's early exit for 14.

The middle overs swung back towards Hyderabad. Dubey (2 for 18) and Shivang Kumar applied the squeeze, removing Markram and Nicholas Pooran, the latter run out sharply by Ishan Kishan. The contest hung in the balance.

Pant then shifted gears. He curbed his natural aggression, rotated strike smartly and picked his moments to attack.

Earlier, LSG's decision to bowl first paid off instantly. Mohammed Shami struck in the opening over, removing Abhishek Sharma for a duck, before forcing an edge from Travis Head.

Prince Yadav then dismissed Kishan, leaving SRH reeling at 11 for 3. Liam Livingstone fell soon after as Hyderabad slumped to 26 for 4 inside eight overs.

Just when a sub-100 total looked likely, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy staged a superb recovery.

The pair added 116 for the fifth wicket to drag Hyderabad back into the contest. Klaasen hammered 62 off 41 balls, while Reddy struck a counter-attacking 56 off 33, including five sixes.

Late strikes from Avesh Khan (2 for 36) and Prince Yadav (2 for 34) kept things in check, restricting SRH to 156 for 9.

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