LSG Set To Unveil Rishabh Pant As Captain At "Special" Event In Kolkata

Rishabh Pant, now the most expensive player in IPL history after being bought for a record-breaking ₹27 crore, is set to take over as the captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The franchise will unveil the star Indian wicketkeeper-batter as their new leader during a "special" event scheduled for Monday in Kolkata, where a jersey unveiling is also anticipated.

Pant's Leadership Journey

This will be Pant's second stint as an IPL captain. He previously led the Delhi Capitals (DC) from 2021 to 2023. However, disagreements over the captaincy and retention terms with DC led him to opt out of their plans and re-enter the auction.

While DC showed interest in retaining him, their reluctance to fully commit to his leadership ultimately led Pant to part ways with the franchise he had been associated with since 2016.

Lucknow’s Leadership Shift

KL Rahul, who captained LSG for the first three IPL seasons (2022–2024), brought the team to the playoffs in their first two campaigns but fell short of reaching the final. The 2024 season, however, marked a decline in form, with LSG finishing seventh on the points table.

The franchise retained key players such as Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Ayush Badoni, and Mohsin Khan but sought an Indian leader to succeed Rahul. Pant emerged as their top choice, with LSG outbidding other franchises, including Sunrisers Hyderabad and DC, to secure him.

Pant’s Revival After Injury

Pant’s journey back to the IPL is particularly inspiring, as he returns to competitive cricket following a near-fatal car accident in December 2022. The incident ruled him out of the 2023 IPL season and put his career in jeopardy.

Despite the setback, Pant has worked diligently on his recovery, making him not only a valuable player but also a leader who can inspire both on and off the field.

Star-Studded Support System

Pant will lead a revamped LSG squad featuring a mix of seasoned international stars and promising Indian talent. Overseas players like David Miller, Mitchell Marsh, and Aiden Markram are expected to play crucial roles, while Indian pacers Akash Deep and Avesh Khan bolster the bowling attack.

The franchise also has a strong support staff, with former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan as the team mentor and Australian great Justin Langer as the head coach.

Potential Leadership Candidates Considered

Before settling on Pant, LSG considered other captaincy options, including Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Mitchell Marsh. However, Pant's proven leadership abilities and match-winning potential made him the frontrunner.

Event Details and Future Prospects

LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka has called the Monday event "special," hinting at exciting announcements beyond Pant's captaincy. With Pant at the helm, the team aims to bounce back strongly and contend for their maiden IPL title in 2025.

The new leadership and team dynamics could mark the beginning of a new era for Lucknow Super Giants as they look to build a formidable legacy in the IPL.