Mumbai: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has acknowledged that replicating his football success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains a challenge, admitting that the franchise is still searching for the right formula to achieve consistent results.

Speaking during an interaction with NDTV CEO and Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal on the programme Walk The Talk, Goenka reflected on his contrasting journeys in cricket and football, highlighting how his Indian Super League (ISL) club Mohun Bagan Super Giant has surged ahead while LSG continues to find its footing.

Football success vs cricket challenges

Sanjiv Goenka, founder of the RPSG Group, owns both LSG in the IPL and holds an 80 per cent stake in Mohun Bagan Super Giant. While the football club has enjoyed remarkable success in recent seasons, the IPL franchise has struggled to maintain consistency.

“In football, we know what needs to be done, but in cricket, we are still not quite there yet,” Goenka admitted candidly.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant had a stellar 2024–25 ISL campaign, achieving a rare Cup and Shield double—only the second team in league history to do so. The club had also won the Shield in the previous season, underlining its dominance in Indian football.

In contrast, LSG’s journey in the IPL has been more uneven despite a promising start.

LSG’s mixed performances in IPL

Lucknow Super Giants entered the IPL in 2022 following the tournament’s expansion from eight to 10 teams. The franchise made an immediate impact by qualifying for the playoffs in its first two seasons, raising expectations among fans and experts alike.

However, the past two editions have seen a dip in performance, with the team finishing seventh on both occasions. The current IPL 2026 campaign has followed a similar pattern, with LSG placed seventh after managing just two wins from five matches so far.

Goenka pointed out that the team had worked on strengthening its bowling attack after identifying weaknesses in the previous season. Despite those efforts, the batting unit—once considered a strength—has struggled to deliver consistently.

Search for the winning formula

The LSG owner emphasised that cricket, unlike football, presents a different set of challenges when it comes to building a winning team. While systems and strategies in football have yielded predictable success, cricket remains more complex and unpredictable.

“If I knew the exact formula, why would I not implement it?” Goenka remarked, underscoring the uncertainty involved in managing a cricket franchise.

His comments reflect the broader challenges faced by IPL teams, where variables such as player form, injuries, pitch conditions, and match situations can significantly influence outcomes.

Expectations vs reality

Given the franchise’s strong start in its early years, expectations around LSG have remained high. The presence of experienced players and a well-resourced management setup further adds to the pressure to deliver results.

However, inconsistency in both batting and bowling has prevented the team from establishing itself as a dominant force in the league. The inability to close out matches and maintain momentum has been a recurring issue.

Goenka’s candid admission signals a willingness to reassess strategies and make necessary adjustments as the season progresses.

Lessons from football success

Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s achievements offer a blueprint of structured planning, squad balance, and effective execution. The club’s ability to identify gaps and address them decisively has been key to its success.

Translating those lessons into cricket, however, is not straightforward. The shorter format of the IPL, combined with its intense competition, demands adaptability and quick decision-making.

Goenka’s remarks suggest that while the organisation has the resources and intent, bridging the gap between potential and performance remains a work in progress.

Conclusion

Sanjiv Goenka’s honest assessment of LSG’s situation highlights the complexities of achieving sustained success in the IPL. While his football venture has set high standards, the cricket franchise is still evolving and searching for consistency.

As IPL 2026 unfolds, LSG will need to address its batting struggles and build on its improvements in bowling to stay competitive. Whether the franchise can eventually “crack the code” remains to be seen, but the willingness to acknowledge shortcomings could be the first step towards a turnaround.