Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) named Rishabh Pant as their new captain ahead of the 2025 edition of the IPL, having acquired the services of the Indian wicketkeeper batter for Rs 27 crore. Pant, who was made a makeshift captain for the Delhi Capitals in 2021 with Shreyas Iyer not available, continued through the season despite the latter returning in the second half of the IPL later in October. Pant went on to lead the Capitals for three seasons with the franchise qualifying for the playoffs only once, in 2021.
"The amount of strategising that was done revolved around Rishabh, it was done keeping him in mind," LSG's principal owner Sanjiv Goenka mentioned while confirming Pant as the captain. "I think, time will prove that he is not only the most expensive player of IPL but also the best player of IPL," Goenka added after being asked 'why Pant?'
"Amazing, overwhelmed by all the things sir said about me," Pant replied after being named the new LSG skipper. Pant mentioned that the number of talks and conversations he has had with Goenka since being picked by LSG, he has felt welcomed into the franchise with open arms and hoped for a great season ahead.
Pant has been an IPL captain for 43 games, all for the Delhi franchise, with the side winning 24 out of them. Pant hasn't had great IPL seasons in the few seasons prior to 2024 before he made a sensational return following his full recovery from the brutal car accident in December 2022.
Pant may not be an active part of the Indian T20 setup, however, 446 runs in the 2024 season at an average of 40.55 and a strike rate of 155.40 would keep him in good stead ahead of the new season of the IPL and might present him an opportunity to stake his claim for a spot in the side yet again.
Pant will have the national T20 captains of South Africa and Australia, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, respectively by his side, with Nicholas Pooran, David Miller and Ayush Badoni also at his disposal, who have been captains of their respective franchises and domestic teams in the past. Lucknow have a great first XI but lack quality backups. However, if the first XI performs, nothing like it as one of the two new franchises chases its maiden title after making the playoffs in 2022 and 2023.