In a blockbuster announcement ahead of the upcoming IPL season, Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the new captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Acquired for a staggering ₹27 crore, Pant has now become the most expensive player in IPL history, surpassing all previous records. The 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter takes over the leadership role from KL Rahul, marking a fresh start for the franchise.
The announcement was made during a grand event in Kolkata, with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka heaping praises on the dynamic batter, expressing confidence in his leadership and long-term value to the franchise.
Pant’s Long-Term Future with LSG
Sanjiv Goenka, known for his visionary approach, revealed high hopes for Pant’s tenure with the Lucknow-based franchise. He envisioned Pant leading the team for the next 14–15 years and securing at least five IPL titles during this period.
“Surely Rishabh Pant will play for at least 14-15 years for us. We hope for at least five IPL titles in these years,” Goenka shared in an interview on Star Sports.
Goenka further predicted that Pant’s name would soon be counted among the most successful IPL captains, alongside MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, whose leadership has brought immense success to Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, respectively.
“Mark my words,” Goenka declared with conviction, “a decade from now, people will speak of Mahi, Rohit, and Rishabh in the same breath. He’s destined to become one of the greatest IPL captains of all time.”
A New Chapter for Pant
Pant, who previously led the Delhi Capitals, is no stranger to the challenges of captaincy. His aggressive batting style and tactical acumen make him an exciting choice for LSG. The franchise has shown faith in his potential, seeing him as not just a player but a long-term asset and leader.
Goenka also lauded Pant’s passion and hunger for the game, saying:
“I’ve rarely witnessed such passion and an unrelenting hunger to win. Time will reveal that he’s not just destined to be the most successful player in IPL history but will undoubtedly emerge as the greatest the league has ever seen.”
Goenka’s Controversial Leadership History
Sanjiv Goenka is widely known for his no-nonsense approach when it comes to team management. His past decisions reflect a strict stance on performance. In 2017, he made headlines by removing the legendary MS Dhoni as the captain of the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants due to unsatisfactory results.
Recently, Goenka was also under scrutiny for publicly confronting former LSG skipper KL Rahul after a disappointing performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 IPL season.
With Pant at the helm, Goenka seems to be aiming for a new era of dominance for LSG, backed by a blend of youthful energy and strategic leadership.
What This Means for LSG
The decision to bring in Rishabh Pant as captain indicates LSG’s commitment to building a team around a player with a proven record and immense potential. As the franchise gears up for the upcoming season, Pant’s appointment as captain will undoubtedly be the focal point of discussions.
If Pant can replicate the success of captains like Dhoni and Rohit, he could usher in a golden era for LSG. Fans and pundits alike will be eager to see how he leads the team in the high-pressure environment of the IPL.
Will Pant rise to the occasion and justify the ₹27 crore price tag? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Lucknow Super Giants are betting big on their new captain.