Rishabh Pant’s association with Lucknow Super Giants lasted only two seasons before the franchise and the cricketer mutually agreed to part ways after IPL 2026. Pant had joined LSG for a record-breaking ₹27.4 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, but his stint did not produce the expected results. The team finished seventh and 10th in the two seasons, while Pant scored 581 runs in 28 matches, leading to questions over his performance and the franchise’s decision to move on.

The split, however, appears to have taken place on cordial terms. LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka has now opened up about his final conversations with Pant before the cricketer’s departure. While the franchise’s official association with Pant came to an end after the conclusion of the 2026 season, Goenka revealed that the two continued to remain in touch even after their professional relationship ended.

Speaking on the Shubhankar Mishra podcast, Goenka said that he wished Pant good luck and offered him his best wishes. He clarified that their interaction did not end with the termination of the contract and that they had spoken afterward as well. According to Goenka, the two have even discussed meeting for dinner, suggesting that the parting was not marked by bitterness or hostility.

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Goenka also expressed his affection for Pant, describing him as someone with an innocent and playful personality. The franchise owner said Pant has a mischievous side and can surprise people with unexpected jokes or pranks. His comments offered a more personal glimpse into the relationship between the two, beyond the disappointment surrounding Pant’s underwhelming spell with LSG.

Pant’s time at Lucknow Super Giants had begun with considerable expectations after the franchise spent a record amount to secure him at the mega auction. As captain and one of the most prominent players in the squad, he was expected to lead the team both with the bat and on the field. However, the team struggled to produce consistent results, and Pant’s individual returns also fell short of the standards associated with his reputation.

Despite the professional separation, Goenka’s remarks indicate that the relationship between the two remains positive. His revelation that they may meet for dinner in the future suggests that their association extended beyond cricket and contracts. Pant will now look ahead to the next phase of his IPL career, while LSG will seek to rebuild after two seasons that failed to deliver the results expected from their high-profile investment.

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