Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of the Lucknow Super Giants in Indian Premier League will be new owner of Manchester Originals in The Hundred league. It is worth noting that, Goenka also owns Durban Super Giants in the SA20 league. The veteran had earlier acquired a stake worth 107 million GBP in the franchise.

LSG came in to presence in the 2022 season of the IPL and since then the franchise has managed to reach the playoff only once. Goenka, who will be new owner of the Manchester Originals, has asserted his vision to not just restrict the development to the cricket field, but beyond the 22 yards.

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“To me, Cricket is about identifying, communicating, building a society - which is not only cricket, but beyond cricket which gives potential careers to people, which gives opportunities to young kids, it's about academics - it's about unity, it's about unifying people with a common interest - a passion for the Sport, a passion for the team and the Manchester Orginals is a team which is done brilliantly - they have done very well in terms of connecting with the Youth and fans, it's something I look forward to working, Developing and growing,” said Goenka.

Manchester have never won a title

It is worth noting that The Hundred has completed four seasons and the next season is scheduled to commence in August. Manchester has never won a title till now, it will be interesting to see how the new ownership will pave the way for change in fortunes for the team.

That injury in the foot proved serious. Rishabh Pant is ruled out from the 5th and the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. The match will decide the ultimate scoreline of the series, which is now led by England 2-1.

Rishabh Pant's exclusion from the series is definitely a major blow for Team India. They had to bat without the southpaw in the second innings. BCCI is already informed about Pant's injury and unavailability for the 5th match, which will be played at The Oval. The injury of the Team India vice-captain came as a major heartbreak for Indian cricket fans. Sanjiv Goenka also expressed his thoughts about the incident and shared an inspiring social media post to reflect the amount of guts and fight by Rishabh Pant against England despite sustaining injury and wished for a quick recovery. 

"Battled a fractured toe, broke records, and stood tall for the team. Most runs by a keeper in a Test series in England. Most 50+ scores by a visiting keeper. The fight will be remembered. Speedy recovery, champ," Sanjiv Goenka said. 

Battled a fractured toe, broke records, and stood tall for the team.
Most runs by a keeper in a Test series in England.
Most 50+ scores by a visiting keeper.
The fight will be remembered.
Speedy recovery, champ. pic.twitter.com/ZEk3TyiC3j

— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) July 28, 2025

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The middle-order batter's presence in the team was considered as a major plus point for Team India. His batting style and tendency to play unorthodox shots often caught the opposition by surprise. In the first match of the tour, as a keeper-batter of India, he scored centuries in both innings at Leeds. Then, in the following three matches and 5 innings, the attacking batsman bagged three fifty-plus scores. 

Rishabh Pant's batting performance in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar trophy:

• 134* and 118 vs. England, Leeds
• 25 and 65 vs. England, Birmingham
• 74 and 9 vs. England, Lord's
• 54 vs. England, Manchester 

By the start of the second day of the fourth Test between England and India at Lord’s, Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the remainder of the trip with a fractured toe. But he still came out to bat as the BCCI stated that he would remain available to bat as per the requirement of the team. Post Shardul Thakur’s dismissal, the southpaw came down the stairs with discomfort.

Meanwhile, Pant’s Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Lucknow Super Giants’ owner, Sajiv Goenka, has shared a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) that has won hearts on the internet. He and Pant seem to have a close bond in the last couple of months after the former signed the wicket-keeper batter for a huge price of INR 27 crore.

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‘Not just talent. This is character. Salute.’ Goenka posted on Pant, who retired hurt on 37 after going for a premeditated reverse-sweep off the England pacer, Chris Woakes, on July 23. He missed the ball and got hit on the toe of the foot before being carted off the field in serious pain.

Sajeev Goenka shares heart-winning post on Rishabh Pant

‘Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper. Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the team on Day 2 and will be available to bat as per team requirements.’ The BCCI posted on X initially.

Not just talent. This is character. Salute. #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/PTyW8atCBz

— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) July 24, 2025

Pant, who came out to bat after the wicket of Shardul Thakur, drilled Ben Stokes for a six in the leg side and celebrated his fifty to shoulder the Blue Brigade over the 350-run mark. The reports have claimed that Pant perhaps had shattered the metatarsal bone.

A six-week rest has been advised to the batter, which means he could get ruled out of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is expected to begin on September 08. India is looking for several options as replacements during the fifth fixture of the series at the Kennington Oval in South London.

In a significant shake-up ahead of the SAT20 2026 season, Durban Super Giants have pulled off a stunning double swoop pre-signing West Indies veteran Sunil Narine and England white-ball superstar Jos Buttler. Both marquee players come on board as pre-signed overseas recruits before the league’s mega auction, signaling DSG’s intent to dominate in the coming season.

Sunil Narine, long regarded as one of the most tactically intelligent T20 players, brings not just his unique bowling skills but also power-hitting credentials and captaincy experience. Speaking on his signing, Narine said, “Being invited to be part of the Super Giants family is an opportunity I value. I’ve heard great things about Mr. Goenka’s vision and the setup.” His addition gives DSG a versatile all-round option and a proven performer in high-pressure games.

Meanwhile, Jos Buttler’s move is seen as a massive coup. Having previously represented Paarl Royals, the English captain now shifts camps and becomes a centrepiece in Durban’s strategy. “I've had a great chat with Dr. Sanjiv Goenka and can’t wait to get stuck in with DSG,” Buttler said. His explosive starts at the top of the order and world-class finishing ability make him an ideal fit for the franchise.

Delighted to have @Heini22 and @noor_ahmad_15 continuing as key members of the @DurbansSG family, and a warm welcome to @josbuttler and Sunil Narine. Looking forward to the auction and an exciting season ahead. #SA20 #DSG pic.twitter.com/ImFPgErbYS

— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) July 23, 2025

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DSG Flex Their Muscles with Star Signings and Key Retentions Ahead of SAT20 Auction

The franchise isn’t stopping at just overseas firepower. They’ve retained South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen as their wildcard pick, an aggressive middle-order option who has been a consistent performer for DSG. Afghan left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad, another match-winner in the shortest format, has also been retained.

This aggressive pre-auction strategy sends a clear message to the rest of the league: Durban’s Super Giants are building a squad that blends experience, firepower, and tactical flexibility. With Narine and Buttler joining Klaasen and Noor Ahmad, DSG’s core is shaping up to be one of the strongest heading into the 2026 season. The SAT20 auction is still to come, but DSG has already drawn first blood, and the rest of the league will be watching closely.

In a game full of drama, redemption, and sheer cricketing genius, Rishabh Pant demonstrated to the world why he is still a generational Test talent, despite his IPL form suggesting otherwise. The left-handed batsman-wicketkeeper made a spectacular return in whites after a lacklustre 2025 IPL season, becoming only the second gloveman in Test history to score hundreds in both innings of a match, after Zimbabwe's Andy Flower. His 118 off 140 balls in the second innings was the deciding blow, with 15 boundaries and three towering sixes that rendered Headingley incoherent. The tone was set by his 134 in the first inning.

If Pant was the spark, KL Rahul was the foundation. The right-hander crafted a masterful 137 from 247 deliveries, anchoring India's second-innings total and building a monumental 195-run partnership with Pant that might define the match. With elegant drives, a calm head, and grit under pressure, Rahul notched up his ninth Test ton and sixth in SENA conditions, his third in England alone, eclipsing even Rahul Dravid’s tally as an opener in the country.

The partnership not only put India in command on Day 4 but also drew admiration from one of India’s most high-profile cricket stakeholders, Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Goenka applauded both the current and former captains of his IPL franchise. “Two good! Back-to-back centuries for @RishabhPant17. Aggressive, audacious, brilliant. Only the second wicketkeeper in history to score a century in both innings of a Test,” Goenka wrote, before adding, “Congratulations also to @klrahul for his hundred. #INDvsENG.”

Two good! Back-to-back centuries for @RishabhPant17. Aggressive, audacious, brilliant. Only the second wicketkeeper in history to score a century in both innings of a Test. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Congratulations also to @klrahul for his hundred. #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/WhU12EYVhE

— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) June 23, 2025

ALSO SEE: ENG vs IND 1st Test: Rishabh Pant reprimand by ICC for arguing with umpire

Pant and Rahul shine in whites as India push for victory at Headingley

Interestingly, it was a moment of irony, too. Rahul was released by the franchise ahead of IPL 2025, following a public fallout after a heavy loss to SRH. But at Headingley, there were no signs of scars, only supreme class. As the crowd waited for Pant’s signature somersault celebration, Sunil Gavaskar egged him on from the stands. But Pant resisted, saving his energy for the job at hand. He raised his bat quietly after nudging a single off Shoaib Bashir, marking the moment with humility, not high-flying theatrics.

And it’s not done yet. England still needs 350 runs heading into Day 5. Crawley and Duckett are unbeaten, but the mountain is steep. With India’s bowlers raring to go and momentum firmly in their corner, a thrilling finish looms large at Headingley.

No matter how it ends, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul have already authored one of the most memorable days in Indian Test cricket, reminding everyone, especially Goenka, that true greatness often shows up in whites, not just lights.

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.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka and his family greeted Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar following the match against Mumbai Indians (MI). The two teams clashed at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 27.

Goenka and members of his family were spotted chatting with Sachin Tendulkar at the stadium. He even hugged Sachin Tendulkar and his family members and were all smiles during his chat with the legend.

Sachin was spotted in MI colors as he has been linked with the franchise as a mentor for several years in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Sachin represented MI in six seasons of the IPL between 2008 and 2013. He appeared in 78 matches and scored 2334 runs at an average of 34.83 and a strike-rate of 119.81 with one century and 13 half-centuries under his belt.

Watch the video here 

A special moment as Dr. Sanjiv Goenka and his family share a wholesome moment with Sachin Tendulkar 💙 pic.twitter.com/7vBz7FdqLF

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 28, 2025

Also read: WATCH: Ravichandran Ashwin honoured with Padma Shri Award by Government of India

MI register fifth consecutive win in IPL 2025

Meanwhile, MI are looking unstoppable at the moment, posting their fifth win in a row of the season after defeating LSG by 54 runs at the Wankhede Stadium.They scored a humongous total of 215/7 batting first on the strength of half-centuries by Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav. Pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult then dominated with the ball, taking four and three wickets, respectively, as they bowled LSG out for a mere 161 runs ultimately.

Mumbai are on a roll as they went on to win their fifth successive match and earned a brilliant turnaround in the current season. Previously, they had lost four out of five of their opening games and were languishing at the lower rung of the table.But now they are among the top teams that can qualify for the playoffs with six victories and 12 points from 10 games. They will attempt to finish in the top two as they have four more games to play. Their next game is against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday, May 1, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Even a record-breaking purchase may not be convincing enough for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to succeed in a successful IPL season. LSG boss Sanjiv Goenka was high on confidence when he cashed in a whopping amount of Rs 27 crore for Rishabh Pant.

Social media was buzzing after the IPL 2025 mega auction. LSG, on pen and paper, is still looking solid, but their performance on the field is telling a completely different story— a flop for Rishabh Pant and his team, the Lucknow Super Giants. Since the last season, Sanjiv Goenka has remained as one of the central figures whenever LSG was on the field. In IPL 2024, the one-field moment between Goenka and then their captain, KL Rahul, was captured through lenses, and the LSG owner became a talking point among cricket fans. 

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Pant replaces Rahul of the ongoing season, but LSG's fate is yet to be proven. Cricket fans and critics have speculated about Goenka's possible influence on his team. Amit Mishra has recently disclosed something shocking about Sanjeev.  In a recent conversation, Mishra said, "Perhaps every team has someone who can be influential; it can be a coach, it can be a captain. But from my point of view, the matter is different for Lucknow Super Giants."

See what Mishra said on camera

Former LSG player Amit Mishra shares his views on Lucknow Super Giants' management and owner Sanjiv Goenka. pic.twitter.com/4LkcMxRWgz

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 28, 2025

Amit Mishra expressed his opinion about Sanjeev Goenka

Mishra had played for Super Giants before, during IPL 2024 and IPL 2023. So, he is well aware of the dressing atmosphere of the Lucknow Super Giants. Mishra has claimed that the image of Goenka has been created by the media, is not true. 

In a straightforward response, the Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer said, "Last year I heard that KL Rahul himself set the team. This year, we saw Rishabh Pant and Zaheer Khan exchange words outside the field during the match. Even their coach was also involved in open conversation. Through multiple media reports, we may have created a character of Sanjiv Goenka, which I feel is not true. From my experience I can confirm he never influenced his team or asked anything to be done by force."

Before the Indian Premier League fixture between the Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals, the spotlight was on KL Rahul and Sanjiv Goenka, who had made headlines for the wrong reasons in the previous seasons.

Talking about KL Rahul, it was a special night for him as the DC star was playing against his former side and also scored the winning runs by hitting a six. Meanwhile, KL Rahul also hogged the internet for his post-match antics as he ignored LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka.

But Rahul, in his new home with the Capitals, proved to be the difference as he scored a measured half-century, helped DC get a dominant win over LSG, that too at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. After the game, whilst everyone was shaking hands, a moment between Rahul and the LSG owner was seen on video on social media, which went viral.

Watch video:-

pic.twitter.com/vczTHgfE6t

Kl Rahul just ignored Goenka😭#lsgvsdc

— Sanju Samson(Fanclub) 𝕏 (@arjaksaini7) April 22, 2025

What had happened between Rahul & Goenka?

The feud between KL Rahul and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) management, headed by owner Sanjiv Goenka, intensified after the team's poor performance in the last IPL season. After their crushing loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Goenka was visibly upset and had a heated argument with Rahul, which was recorded and widely shared on social media. The exchange brought out the increasing tension between the two, and it soon became apparent that their relationship had turned sour. The open conflict between the LSG administration and Rahul led to questions regarding the captaincy of the team and its future. Rahul, who had captained LSG, had struggled with erratic performances throughout the season, resulting in mounting pressure from both the media and supporters. Goenka, who was known for his no-nonsense attitude, made it clear that he was disappointed with the team's performances under Rahul's command, particularly during important phases of the tournament.

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During the post-season, Rahul was decided not to be kept for the season of IPL 2025, a decision that surprised people as he was among the top players in the league. This was the end of his connection with LSG. The team instead went in a different direction, with leadership changes and a new vision for the team. But Rahul's career was far from over. His potential and value in the market were something to be reckoned with, and before long, Delhi Capitals stepped in and paid a premium ₹14 crore for him during the IPL 2025 auction. The switch provided Rahul the opportunity to go on with his IPL career but ended an experience with LSG as well.Though the division between Rahul and Goenka was a prominent subject of discourse, it was also a reminder of the strains and intricacies of IPL management. Players and franchises are constantly under scrutiny, and even a minor misstep can result in dramatic changes to team dynamics. As Rahul continues with Delhi Capitals, most will want to know how he will get along with his new team and if the change in surroundings will assist him in regaining his best form.

A powerful one-liner from the mouth of Sanjiv Goenka proved enough for Justin Langer to rethink his career path. Actually, that one line left no room for the former team Australia coach to rethink but to decide. 

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During a conversation with former cricketer Michael Clarke on the Beyond 23 Cricket podcast, Langer disclosed why he changed his mind and resumed his coaching career again. The 54-year coach said with a smile on his face, "So I sit with (Sanjiv) Goenka and have this conversation. He’s a calm and nice person and is a very successful businessman. You know what he says in the end, the last words—'Justin,' I know you had a very successful coaching career. But let’s face it. You can’t classify yourself as a great coach until you win the IP'L."

After a coaching stint with the Baggy Green brigade, Langer decided to take a break from cricket. When he left the Australian team dressing, it was unclear whether or when he would again take a new coaching job. The former cricketer was appointed as Australia's head coach back in 2018. His coaching experience with his national team was not the nicest at the beginning. From a horrifying white-ball tour of England in '18 to winning the T20I World Cup in November 2021, Langer had seen a lot. In the following year, after a long discussion with Cricket Australia board officials, Langer resigned. 

Sanjiv Goenka's words inspired Langer 

For the next 3 years he was almost out of the picture, exploring new avenues outside the cricket ground. Then, one day he meets Lucknow Super Kings (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka. Goenka's 'Justin, I know you had a very successful coaching career. But let’s face it. You can’t classify yourself as a great coach until you win the IPL' inspired the former coach to return where he belonged—a cricket coach. 

Further in the chat with Clarke, Langer added, "I had zero stress from the Goenka family. 

LSG is yet to find the right to claim the IPL trophy under Langer's guidance. Last season was an utter disaster for the team, and this season, in IPL 2025, Super Giants need to find the right route to the playoffs as soon as possible.