In a recent Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant faced criticism after scoring a duck during a disastrous run chase against Rajasthan Royals (RR), resulting in a 40-run defeat. Despite the loss, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was seen embracing Pant, a gesture interpreted by some as an attempt to manage negative public relations following the team's poor performance. LSG has now suffered four consecutive losses, placing them at the ninth spot on the points table with only two wins from seven matches. Critics on social media have suggested that Goenka's supportive actions are more about improving his image than genuinely backing Pant, especially after previous incidents where he publicly reprimanded former captain KL Rahul. As LSG struggles to find form, the relationship between Goenka and Pant remains under scrutiny, with fans questioning whether the support will translate into better results on the field.