On May 4, during the IPL match between Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, a surprising moment captured everyone's attention. Sanjeev Goenka, the owner of Lucknow Super Giants, was seen clapping not in celebration, but after his team's defeat. The viral image shows Goenka clapping alongside Ness Wadia, the co-owner of Punjab Kings, who is known for his vast wealth—approximately Rs 60,000 crores.
A Surprising Moment in Dharamshala
In the viral photo, taken during the match in Dharamshala, Goenka and Wadia are seen engaged in a serious conversation. The discussion clearly wasn’t about business; it was centered around the ongoing match. And, despite his team’s loss, Goenka joined Wadia in clapping.
While it made sense for Ness Wadia to clap, given that his team not only played well but also won, the sight of Sanjeev Goenka doing the same raised eyebrows. This unusual gesture was observed after Abdul Samad, who had scored a quick 45 off 24 balls, was dismissed.
A Change in Goenka’s Approach
Despite the loss, Goenka took to social media to praise his team’s young talents. He expressed his appreciation for Ayush Badoni, who played an outstanding knock of 74 runs, and commended Abdul Samad’s contribution. Goenka's tweet showed a shift from the past, where he was known for his more visibly agitated reactions during losses.
His tweet read:
"A tough result in Dharamshala, but commendable knocks by our young talents @AyushBadoni and @ABDULSAMAD___1 kept the fight alive and the spirit high. Inspiring performance by Akash Singh in his debut match for @LucknowIPL. Three games to go. Six points to play for. Fingers crossed."
A More Composed Goenka in 2025
This change in demeanor from Sanjeev Goenka—who used to show his frustration in IPL 2024—reflects a more composed approach in 2025. Instead of focusing on the defeat, he’s now channeling his energy into encouraging his players to perform better.
Ness Wadia’s Presence at Dharamshala
As for Ness Wadia, the co-owner of Punjab Kings, who is rarely seen at matches, his appearance at this game in Dharamshala was significant. This was the first time in IPL 2025 that he was present to support his team, which may have contributed to the positive atmosphere surrounding Punjab Kings’ victory.