LSG Owner Sanjiv Goenka Spills Beans On 'Last Conversation' With Rishabh Pant

Pant's Return to DC: Goenka Reflects on a Journey That Wasn't Quite in Tune

Let me share something that struck a chord with me—cricket, like music, has its own rhythm, and sometimes that rhythm breaks.

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka recently opened up on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast about his final conversation with Rishabh Pant, who has now rejoined Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2027. The trade saw Pant head to DC for Rs 15 crore, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav made the move to LSG for Rs 13.5 crore.

Now, this is a story with a melancholic undertone. Pant was signed by LSG at the 2025 mega auction for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore—the most expensive player in IPL history. He replaced KL Rahul as captain. But the team's campaign in both 2025 and 2026 failed to find its groove, missing the playoffs in both seasons.

When Goenka spoke of their last conversation, his words carried grace: "Our last conversation wasn't just about the trade. We have continued to speak even after that." Asked about the nature of those talks, he replied simply, "Good luck to him and best wishes. We plan to have dinner one of these days."

Two unsuccessful years, and Pant is back in DC colours—just weeks after requesting to be relieved of LSG captaincy.

But here's where the melody rises again. During India's Test series in Sri Lanka last month—won 1-0 after the opener at Galle—Pant etched his name into the record books. He overtook MS Dhoni to become India's highest runscorer as a designated WK in away/neutral Tests, amassing 2,534 runs at an average over 41, narrowly surpassing Dhoni's 2,496. He also moved past Adam Gilchrist to become the third-highest six-hitter in Test cricket.

Some journeys are offbeat, but the music always finds its way back. 🎵

What do you make of Pant's return to DC? Do let me know.

Source: NDTV Sports