Sanjiv Goenka’s Viral Reaction Sparks Meme Fest as Rishabh Pant Struggles in IPL 2025
Introduction: The IPL 2025 season was billed as the grand stage for Rishabh Pant’s much-anticipated comeback to competitive cricket after a life-threatening car accident in 2022. Leading the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as captain, expectations were sky-high for the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman. However, Pant’s journey so far has been a tale of frustration, with his latest setback against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Saturday evening adding fuel to an already fiery social media storm. Meanwhile, LSG co-owner Sanjiv Goenka’s animated reaction to Pant’s dismissal has gone viral, igniting a meme fest across platforms like X and Instagram.
The Dismissal That Broke Hearts: In a pivotal clash against RR at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Pant managed a meager 3 runs off 9 balls before falling to Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. Attempting an audacious reverse-sweep against a well-disguised googly, Pant misjudged the bounce and sent a top-edge skyward. RR wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel completed a dramatic catch, juggling the ball multiple times before securing it. Pant, visibly shattered, didn’t even wait for the umpire’s decision, trudging off the field as disappointment engulfed the LSG camp. This moment encapsulated his IPL 2025 campaign—brimming with intent but painfully short on execution.
Pant’s Struggles in Numbers: The stats paint a grim picture for the 27-year-old southpaw. Across seven innings this season, Pant’s scores read a dismal 0, 15, 2, 2, 21, 63, and 3, with only a solitary half-century against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) offering a brief glimpse of his potential. His strike rate, hovering below par for a player of his caliber, and inability to anchor or accelerate innings have raised eyebrows. While his glovework remains sharp, with several catches to his name, it’s his batting—or lack thereof—that has placed him under the scanner. Once a feared match-winner known for dismantling attacks in crunch situations, Pant currently appears a shadow of his former self, grappling to regain rhythm in the high-pressure T20 format.
Sanjiv Goenka’s Reaction Steals the Show: As Pant walked back to the dugout, television cameras panned to LSG co-owner Sanjiv Goenka in the stands, whose exasperated expression spoke volumes. Whether it was disbelief, frustration, or a mix of both, Goenka’s reaction quickly became fodder for social media. Within hours, memes flooded the internet, with fans creatively captioning his gestures—ranging from humorous takes on “27 Crore Down the Drain” to comparisons with iconic Bollywood dramatic scenes. The viral storm overshadowed the match itself, turning Goenka into an unwilling internet sensation overnight. This isn’t the first time Goenka’s expressions have caught attention; last season, his animated discussion with former captain KL Rahul also made headlines, hinting at the high stakes and emotions tied to LSG’s hefty investments.
LSG’s Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy: Pant’s lean patch couldn’t have come at a worse time for Lucknow Super Giants. With the IPL 2025 tournament entering its decisive phase, LSG finds itself teetering on the edge of the playoff race. Pant, acquired for a staggering Rs 27 crore in the mega auction—making him the most expensive player in IPL history—was expected to be the linchpin of their batting lineup. However, his inconsistent performances have forced the team to rely heavily on other stars like Nicholas Pooran and Deepak Hooda. The middle order has often crumbled under pressure, and without Pant firing, LSG’s dream of lifting their maiden IPL title hangs by a thread. Historical data doesn’t bode well either; teams with underperforming captains have rarely made deep runs in the tournament’s 17-year history.
The Road Ahead for Pant and LSG: Despite the gloom, there’s still time for Pant to turn the tide. Known for his resilience—evident in his miraculous recovery from injury and return to international cricket—Pant has the pedigree to silence critics. Upcoming fixtures against teams like Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) offer him a chance to rediscover his mojo. For LSG, coach Justin Langer and mentor Gautam Gambhir will need to rally around their captain, perhaps tweaking strategies to alleviate pressure from the top order. Fans, too, remain hopeful, flooding social media with messages of support alongside the memes, reminding Pant of the unwavering faith in his game-changing ability.
Conclusion: Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025 journey is at a crossroads, with every match now a test of his mettle and leadership. Sanjiv Goenka’s viral reaction, while amusing to many, underscores the immense expectations riding on LSG’s prized asset. As the meme fest continues to trend, the real challenge for Pant lies in scripting a redemption arc that transforms online banter into standing ovations. Will the Delhi dynamite explode back into form before it’s too late for Lucknow Super Giants? Only time—and a few big knocks—will tell.