Who is LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka? Net worth, businesses, IPL controversies explored

Though most of the time players dominate the spotlight in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the influence of franchise owners is often equally compelling. Sanjiv Goenka, the industrialist behind the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has carved a distinctive place for himself in the cricketing ecosystem.

Known for his assertive management style and on-field open discussions with his team skippers, Goenka has not only made headlines for his investments but also stirred both praise and criticism.

Who Is Sanjiv Goenka: Business Ventures and Net Worth

Sanjiv Goenka is the chairman of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG Group), a diversified conglomerate with interests in power, retail, infrastructure, IT, and media.

The group’s flagship company, CESC Limited, is one of India’s leading private power utilities. Other notable entities under his leadership include Spencer's Retail, Saregama India (a prominent music label), and the educational platform Too Yumm!.

As of March, his company’s net worth was estimated at around 4 billion USD (approximately Rs 34,000 crore), according to Indiatimes.

Involvement in the Indian Premier League

Goenka's tryst with IPL began in 2016 with the ownership of Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS), a team he led for two seasons during the suspension of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.

He returned to the league in 2021 by securing the Lucknow Super Giants franchise for a staggering sum of Rs 7,090 crore.

Under his stewardship, LSG has emerged as a competitive side, consistently vying for playoff spots. Goenka is known for his hands-on management style, often seen closely observing matches and team strategies.

IPL Controversies

Sanjiv Goenka's IPL tenure has not been without controversy. During his time with the Rising Pune Supergiants, he faced criticism for replacing MS Dhoni with Steve Smith as captain in 2017—a decision that drew considerable media and public backlash.

More recently, in the 2025 IPL season, Goenka found himself in the spotlight again following a heated exchange with LSG captain Rishabh Pant after a defeat. The incident sparked discussions about owner involvement in team decisions and the pressure it exerts on players.

Sanjiv Goenka remains a powerful figure, being in between the domains of business and sport, making him a fascinating figure in the evolving narrative of cricket and commerce in India.