Sanjiv Goenka Highlights Prince Yadav as Rishabh Pant Faces India Squad Snub
A Tale of Two Fortunes at LSG
The relationship between Rishabh Pant and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has remained a focal point of discussion throughout the 2026 Indian Premier League season. From viral moments on the field to the high-pressure environment of the dressing room, every interaction between the two has been heavily scrutinized by fans and experts alike. While the franchise previously claimed that past viral controversies were mere misunderstandings, recent developments regarding the Indian national squad have once again pushed this duo into the spotlight.
The Omission of Rishabh Pant
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the national squads for the upcoming series against Afghanistan, sparking immediate debate. Among the most significant talking points was the exclusion of Rishabh Pant from the ODI team. Furthermore, Pant faced an additional setback in the Test setup, where he lost his vice-captaincy role to KL Rahul. These decisions have left many questioning the current trajectory of the wicketkeeper-batter’s international career during a season where he has been tasked with leading the Lucknow franchise.
Sanjiv Goenka’s Selective Silence
In the wake of the squad announcement, all eyes turned to Sanjiv Goenka. Given the high-profile nature of his partnership with Pant, many expected a comment regarding the player’s recent national team exclusion. However, Goenka chose a different path. Instead of addressing the snub, he took to the social media platform X to celebrate a different narrative: the rise of young pace sensation Prince Yadav.
Goenka expressed his immense pride in the young bowler, stating, ‘Delighted to see Prince Yadav earn his maiden ODI call-up for India. His rise this IPL season has been a joy to witness. He has the heart, the hunger, and the fearlessness to take on the best. This is just the beginning. Congratulations, Prince. I’m proud of you, and so is @LucknowIPL. Make India proud.’ By focusing entirely on Yadav’s success, Goenka notably avoided mentioning the struggles currently facing his team captain, Pant.
Prince Yadav: The Breakout Star of 2026
The praise heaped upon Prince Yadav is well-deserved, given his remarkable turnaround this season. The right-arm fast bowler, who joined the LSG setup in 2025, initially struggled with consistency, managing only three wickets in six matches with an economy rate hovering around 10. However, the 2026 IPL campaign has seen a complete transformation in his performance.
Yadav has been a vital cog in the Lucknow bowling unit, claiming 16 wickets in just 12 matches. His ability to deliver under pressure, characterized by multiple two-wicket spells and two impressive three-wicket hauls, caught the attention of national selectors. With the absence of frontline pacer Jasprit Bumrah, the selectors looked toward emerging talent, and Yadav successfully seized the opportunity presented by his consistent domestic form.
A Challenging Season for Rishabh Pant’s Leadership
While the emergence of Prince Yadav provides a bright spot for the franchise, the overall picture for Lucknow Super Giants remains grim. Under Pant’s leadership, the team has endured a difficult 2026 season, currently languishing at the bottom of the points table. With only four wins in 12 matches, the team has struggled to find a cohesive rhythm in either the batting or bowling departments.
Pant’s own tactical decisions and form have come under intense scrutiny as the team fails to convert potential into points. The contrast between his current struggles as a captain and the individual success of young talents like Yadav has only added to the pressure mounting on the franchise. As the season approaches its conclusion, the internal dynamics of the team, coupled with the national standing of its captain, will continue to be a subject of intense conversation in the cricketing world.
