Former England captain Michael Vaughan has shared an intersting take on the growing criticism of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka following his on-field discussion with captain Rishabh Pant following the loss in their IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals (DC).

In response to the viral videos, Vaughan cautioned that frequent public conflicts could destabilize the team dynamic and that LSG risks losing control if similar incidents continue throughout the season.

Seeing Goenka’s animated conversation with Rishabh Pant, LSG fans were reminded of LSG owner’s similar conversations with ex-captain KL Rahul and even with Pant last IPL season.

The episode sparked significant suspicion and anger, causing LSG to release an "unfiltered" video to quell the rumors. However, this did not persuade admirers, as new reports emerged that the video had been remade rather than the original viral clip.

Michael Vaughan spoke about the LSG episode and stated that he dislikes franchise owners getting too involved in team matters in public, especially immediately after the matches.

He stated that such situations encourage unneeded speculation and negative attention. He warned that if similar occurrences continue, there could be wider repercussions within the team.

“I’m intrigued by this franchise, I must admit. I look from quite far away, and I keep seeing things on social media, and I see the owner on the pitch with Rishabh, with Tom Moody, Justin Langer. I hate seeing that. I just hate seeing it after one game on the pitch. You can have those conversations in private.

And even if they’re nice conversations, I just don’t understand them because what you’re doing is leading people to suggest that other things are said in that group that maybe aren’t. It might have just been a fun conversation, who knows? But yeah, they’re an interesting franchise. But I think the Lucknow wheels could get quite loose quite quickly,” Vaughan said on Cricbuzz.

Vaughan emphasized the importance of consistency in decision-making and recommended that Pant stay in his current position for at least a few games.

“Often, quotes are taken out of context, but if there is even a hint of confusion in the group, then clarity is key. If the decision is for Rishabh to take on that role alongside Mitch, it should be backed for five or six games,” he added.

Lucknow will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their second match of the IPL 2026 season on Sunday.