In a heartwarming moment that stole the spotlight post-match, Goenka hugs Pant after SRH win became the emotional highlight of IPL 2025 on Thursday. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka, known for his intense involvement with the team, embraced captain Rishabh Pant after LSG secured a thrilling five-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The gesture followed days of speculation about tension between the two after a heated exchange post LSG’s loss to Delhi Capitals earlier in the week.
Goenka Hugs Pant After SRH Win: A Moment of Redemption
The emotional hug between Goenka and Pant after SRH win was more than just a celebration—it symbolised relief, validation, and trust. It came just days after Goenka was seen in a tense post-match chat with Pant following a narrow one-wicket defeat to his former team, Delhi Capitals.
In IPL 2024, a similar scene had played out between Goenka and KL Rahul, leading to widespread criticism and eventually Rahul’s exit from the franchise. With the stakes higher than ever in IPL 2025, Pant’s performance as LSG’s new skipper has been under the microscope.
Pant’s Brave Call to Bowl First Pays Off
In Thursday’s match, Pant made a bold decision to bowl first at Hyderabad—on the very pitch where SRH had posted a record-breaking 286/6 against Rajasthan Royals in their season opener. Many questioned Pant’s call, especially considering Hyderabad’s power-packed top order. However, the LSG bowlers backed their skipper with a disciplined performance.
Led by Shardul Thakur’s match-winning spell of 4/34, the Lucknow bowling attack restricted the home side to 190/9 in 20 overs. Thakur removed key batters like Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan in a fiery opening spell, setting the tone for the chase.
Goenka’s Hug Reflects Renewed Confidence
Post-match, Sanjiv Goenka couldn’t contain his emotions. As players exited the field, Goenka hugged Pant after SRH win, capturing a picture-perfect moment that has now gone viral on social media. Also seen smiling alongside them was team mentor Zaheer Khan, visibly pleased with the team’s comeback performance.
Their brief chat on the field before the post-match presentation indicated a renewed sense of trust and camaraderie between Goenka and Pant. This interaction served as a stark contrast to the tension from earlier in the week.
Rishabh Pant: ‘Big Relief’ After First Win As LSG Captain
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Pant admitted the victory was a big relief for him personally, as it marked his first win as the captain of Lucknow Super Giants.
“Big relief, but as a team, we talk about the process. It’s not about getting too high when you win and not about getting too low when you lose,” Pant said.
He further added,
“As a team, we can’t focus on uncontrollables. My mentor said focus on controllables, and that is what I did.”
Pant’s composure and clarity under pressure were evident not only in his leadership decisions but also in how he handled post-game interactions. The Goenka hug after SRH win seemed to be a stamp of approval.
Nicholas Pooran’s Power Hitting Steals the Show
While Pant’s leadership was commendable, it was Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 70 off just 26 balls that made the chase look easy. With six sixes and as many boundaries, Pooran’s innings ensured LSG sealed the chase in just 17 overs, boosting their net run rate and pushing them to second on the points table.
Pant praised the West Indian for his fearless approach:
“I think we just want to give freedom to him. You’ve got to give someone the charge when he is batting well, and he has batted brilliantly for us.”
Looking Ahead: LSG on Track
With the Goenka hugs Pant after SRH win moment symbolising a turning point in team dynamics, LSG fans will hope that the emotional high translates into consistent on-field success. With one win and one loss, Lucknow now sit comfortably in the top half of the table, poised for a strong run in the tournament.
As IPL 2025 heats up, all eyes will be on whether this early-season embrace between Goenka and Pant sets the tone for a more unified, driven, and confident LSG going forward.
