Rishabh Pant has officially been appointed as the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, marking a significant chapter in his career.
The announcement was made by LSG’s owner, Sanjiv Goenka, on January 20, 2025, solidifying Pant’s role in leading the franchise after a record-breaking acquisition during the IPL mega auction held in Jeddah.
Record-Breaking Acquisition
Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history when LSG secured his services for an astounding ₹27 crore (approximately USD 3.21 million).
This hefty price tag reflects not only his talent but also the franchise’s confidence in his leadership abilities. Pant will be the fourth captain in LSG’s history, following KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, and Krunal Pandya.
Recent Performance and Challenges
The Lucknow Super Giants had a strong start in their inaugural seasons, reaching the playoffs in both IPL 2022 and 2023.
However, their performance dipped significantly in 2024, finishing seventh on the points table and missing out on playoff contention. Pant’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to revitalize the team and steer them back to success.
This will not be Pant’s first stint as an IPL captain; he previously led the Delhi Capitals (DC) from 2021 to 2024, except for the 2023 season when he was sidelined due to injuries from a serious car accident. His leadership experience is expected to be invaluable as he transitions to this new role.
Pant’s Vision and Commitment
Upon his appointment, Pant expressed his gratitude towards the LSG management and emphasized his commitment to giving “200%” to the franchise. He stated, “Thank you to LSG family for showing the faith in me… I will try whatever is in my power to repay the faith you have shown.”
Pant aims to create a positive environment within the team and is focused on proactive communication with players.
LSG Team Composition
Pant will be supported by a formidable lineup that includes notable players such as Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, Mitchell Marsh, and Aiden Markram.
The bowling attack will feature Indian pacers like Akash Deep and Avesh Khan, along with retained players such as Ravi Bishnoi and Mohsin Khan.
With IPL 2025 set to commence on March 21 at Eden Gardens, Pant is keen on making a strong impression early in the season.
He has indicated openness to batting at different positions, including potentially opening the innings, depending on team strategy and management discussions.
Sanjiv Goenka has high expectations for Pant, stating that he believes Pant could become one of the best IPL captains ever, alongside legends like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.
The upcoming season will be crucial for both Pant and LSG as they strive for redemption following last year’s shortcomings.
