IPL 2026: ‘Just hate seeing it’ – Michael Vaughan slams LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka after Rishabh Pant episode

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan has spoken strongly about the involvement of franchise owners in how the teams perform on the pitch, and further criticisms related to it, with respect to Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka. 

After the Lucknow Super Giants lost to the Delhi Capitals, a video showed Goenka in an animtated discussion with captain Rishabh Pant, which brought back memories of his infamous fallout with KL Rahul, in 2024.

Vaughan stated that he hates when conversations like these are in public even if they are positive, as the matters within the leadership group should be kept private. Vaughan believes that Lucknow could lose momentum soon, if things like these are to continue.

“I’m intrigued by this franchise, I must admit. I look from quite far away, and I keep seeing things on social media, and I see the owner on the pitch with Rishabh, with Tom Moody, Justin Langer. I hate seeing that. I just hate seeing it after one game on the pitch. You can have those conversations in private,” Vaughan told Cricbuzz.

And even if they’re nice conversations, I just don’t understand them because what you’re doing is leading people to suggest that other things are said in that group that maybe aren’t. It might have just been a fun conversation, who knows? But yeah, they’re an interesting franchise. But I think the Lucknow wheels could get quite loose quite quickly,” he added.

Following the backlash, LSG posted an “unfiltered” video of the discussion, owing to social media backlash, but that did not have its desired effect, with fans claiming it was “re-recorded.”

Rishabh Pant made headlines choosing to open the batting against the Delhi Capitals, to combat the threat of Delhi skipper Axar Patel’s left-arm spin. It was a poor outing for Pant, as he was dismissed for seven runs in unfortunate fashion.

Speaking after the game, he did not provide any clarity on the continuation of this role. Vaughan believes LSG and Pant should continue with their decision for at least five or six games. 

“Often quotes are taken out of context, but if there is even a hint of confusion in the group, then clarity is key. If the decision is for Rishabh to take on that role alongside Mitch, it should be backed for five or six games,” he added.

The Lucknow Super Giants take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, on April 5.