Rishabh Pant’s time with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025 has not gone well.
Speculation is growing that team owner Sanjiv Goenka may release him ahead of the next season.
Here are the key reasons behind this possibility:
1. Poor Form in IPL 2025
Despite a heroic comeback in IPL 2024 after his car accident, Pant’s performance has sharply declined in the 2025 season.
As LSG captain and the most expensive player in IPL history (acquired for ₹27 crore), Pant has struggled to make an impact with the bat, registering scores of 0, 15, and 2 in his first three matches.
His inability to deliver consistent runs has increased pressure on the team and led to mounting criticism from fans and analysts alike.
This extended slump has made his retention a liability for a franchise aiming for immediate results.
2. Massive Price Tag and Budget Constraints
Pant’s ₹27 crore price tag set a new IPL record, consuming a significant portion of LSG’s auction purse.
With the IPL 2025 salary cap set at ₹120 crore per team, committing nearly a quarter of the budget to a single underperforming player restricts a franchise’s flexibility to strengthen other areas of the squad.
For a team looking to build a balanced and competitive lineup, releasing Pant frees up substantial funds to pursue multiple high-impact players in the next auction.
3. Declining Value as a Wicketkeeper-Batter
Pant’s struggles have extended beyond batting, with his wicketkeeping and leadership coming under scrutiny.
He has been left out of India’s white-ball squads and was not picked for the Champions Trophy, where KL Rahul was preferred as wicketkeeper.
This suggests a waning confidence in his ability to contribute as a specialist or as a leader.
For LSG, investing in a player whose all-round value is in question no longer aligns with their strategic priorities.
