Lucknow: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has addressed the growing criticism around his on-field interactions with players, stating that he has become a “convenient punching bag” for social media narratives that misinterpret his intentions.
The remarks come after a recent exchange between Goenka and LSG captain Rishabh Pant went viral, drawing comparisons with his animated conversation with former skipper KL Rahul during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
‘Scolding’ narrative dismissed by Goenka
In an interaction with NDTV, Goenka rejected claims that his conversation with Pant was a reprimand, saying such portrayals are exaggerated for online engagement.
“With a player like Rishabh, there is never a ‘daat’ (scolding) situation,” Goenka said. “But on social media, even a simple hand movement becomes breaking news. I’ve become a very convenient punching bag. If you say ‘Sanjiv Goenka scolds his player’, it gets instant views.”
He stressed that isolated visuals often distort reality, adding that the dressing room environment within the franchise remains positive and unaffected by external narratives.
Social media amplification and misinterpretation
Goenka acknowledged that his expressive communication style, particularly his use of hand gestures, has contributed to repeated misinterpretations. He revealed that he is now consciously trying to change his body language to avoid unnecessary controversy.
“It’s funny how a simple gesture outside the field becomes a national headline,” he remarked. “I naturally speak with a lot of hand movements, but now I’m literally learning to keep my hands behind my back while talking.”
The LSG owner emphasised that such narratives do not reflect the true dynamics within the team and are often amplified without context.
Denies interference in cricketing matters
Addressing allegations of interfering in cricketing decisions, Goenka firmly denied having any role in technical aspects of the game. He pointed out that it would be illogical for someone without professional cricketing experience to instruct elite players.
“For someone who has never played professional cricket, it would be foolish to tell players how to play,” he said. “We have a strong team of experts handling the technical side.”
He underlined that his role is limited to supporting the franchise and ensuring a positive environment rather than offering cricketing guidance.
Passion vs perception
Goenka admitted that his passion for the team often translates into visible involvement, which can sometimes be misunderstood by the public.
“Yes, I am passionate about the team and want them to succeed,” he said. “But I do not understand the nuances of cricket like experts do. It would be completely out of place for me to give cricketing lessons to professionals.”
He reiterated that his interactions with players are rooted in encouragement and engagement rather than criticism.
Conclusion
As social media continues to shape public perception in modern sport, Sanjiv Goenka’s comments highlight the challenges faced by team owners in balancing visibility and interpretation. While his animated interactions may invite attention, the LSG owner has made it clear that his intentions are supportive, not critical. The episode serves as a reminder that brief viral moments do not always capture the full picture behind team dynamics.