Lucknow – Emotions were running high at the Ekana International Stadium on Monday when Lucknow Super Giants co-owner Sanjiv Goenka became the unexpected focus of attention in his team's pivotal IPL 2025 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. A video of Goenka being seen storming out of the balcony of his team soon went viral, drawing a whirlwind of reactions on social media.

The incident took place in the 12th over of LSG's innings, when Pant, who was promoted to No. 3, committed a rash stroke off Eshan Malinga and was caught and bowled for a mere 7. As the frustration grew, cameras captured Goenka visibly enraged, walking out of the balcony, a moment that invited heavy criticism online. While most fans empathized with the owner's frustration, others have termed it poor optics, particularly in the public eye.

Pant’s poor form of 135 runs from 12 matches has been a concern throughout the season, and his latest failure couldn’t have come at a worse time. Despite strong contributions from Mitchell Marsh (65) and Aiden Markram (61), LSG’s innings lost steam in the second half, eventually finishing at 205/7.

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Goenka responds to LSG's playoff elimination as Sunrisers Hyderabad secure dominant victory in Lucknow

Sunrisers Hyderabad, however, made light work of the target. Abhishek Sharma smashed a 20-ball 59 to kickstart the chase, while Heinrich Klaasen (47*) and Kamindu Mendis (32*) finished the job in 18.2 overs, taking SRH to a historic six-wicket win and knocking LSG out of playoff contention. After the game, Goenka transitioned from public frustration to reflective calm. Going social media with a photo of himself with his players, he penned a moving message: "It's been a difficult second half of the season, but there's much to take heart in. The spirit, the effort, and the moments of excellence give us a lot to build on. Two games remain. Let's play with pride and finish strong."

It’s been a challenging second half of the season, but there’s much to take heart in. The spirit, the effort, and the moments of excellence give us a lot to build on. Two games remain. Let’s play with pride and finish strong. #LSGvsSRH pic.twitter.com/gFzyddlnMn

— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) May 20, 2025

LSG's elimination from the playoffs is a disappointment in what was promising until some time back. Captain Rishabh Pant also referenced the effect of sensational injuries, especially to pacers Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan. "If we had the same bowling [attack], the story would be different… Still, we've got to take pride in the fight we've shown," he said at the post-match presentation.

With only two games left, Lucknow will now try to finish the season with some pride and reboot for next year. As Goenka's rollercoaster night demonstrated, the intensity of the IPL runs much deeper than the field emotions are deep-seated, even in the owners' box.