Sanjiv Goenka says last conversation with Pant extended beyond contract

Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka said his final conversation with Rishabh Pant extended past the end of the player’s contract. Goenka told the Shubhankar Mishra podcast that the two had planned to have dinner together and that he remained fond of Pant. Pant left LSG after two seasons in which the franchise finished seventh and tenth.

Pant scored 581 runs in 28 matches after being signed for INR 27.4 crore at the 2025 mega auction. The parties agreed to part ways after IPL 2026. Pant has since returned to Delhi Capitals at a reduced fee of INR 12 crore.

Goenka said judging the value of the original deal was subjective and depended on outcome and circumstances.