Rishabh Pant Unveiled as LSG Captain, Promises to Deliver ‘200%’

Rishabh Pant Unveiled as LSG Captain, Promises to Deliver ‘200%’

Rishabh Pant has been officially named the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. This announcement comes after Pant was acquired at the pre-season auction for a record-breaking INR 27 crore (approximately USD 3.21 million).

Pant, joined by LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka and mentor Zaheer Khan, expressed his gratitude and commitment at the unveiling ceremony held in Kolkata. "Thank you to the LSG family for placing their trust in me," Pant remarked. "I pledge to give my 200% for the team. This is a fresh start, and I’m eager to bring new energy, have a blast, and ensure we enjoy every moment on the field."

A New Chapter for LSG

Pant takes over the reins from KL Rahul, who captained the franchise during its first three seasons. Under Rahul’s leadership, LSG reached the playoffs twice before falling short in IPL 2024. Pant, after a long association with Delhi Capitals—where he led the side from 2021—has an opportunity to craft a new legacy with LSG.

Reflecting on his approach to captaincy, Pant said, "While this is a new setup, my core ideology remains unchanged. Trust and clear communication are key. When players are given confidence and clarity, they can achieve the unimaginable. Our goal is to foster a culture of relentless determination—a ‘fight till the last ball’ mentality."

He added, "Performances may fluctuate, but commitment and effort should never waver. We want individuals willing to push beyond limits for the team. That’s the character we are aiming to build."

Zaheer Khan Sees Pant as the First Pillar of Success

Zaheer Khan, who mentored a young Pant during his early IPL days, praised the wicketkeeper-batsman for revolutionizing the modern style of play. He emphasized that acquiring Pant and naming him captain was a strategic move in building a competitive and cohesive franchise.

While questions have been raised about LSG's left-heavy middle order—featuring Pant, David Miller, and Nicholas Pooran—Zaheer dismissed concerns, highlighting the potential advantages. "Good players adapt and find solutions. It could even be a tactical edge," he noted.

Zaheer also emphasized the importance of establishing a strong team identity, stating, "Rishabh’s leadership is vital in creating a 'Brand LSG'—a style of cricket that defines us and resonates with our fans."

IPL 2025 Kicks Off in March

The much-anticipated IPL 2025 season begins on March 21 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, running until May 25. Lucknow Super Giants join Punjab Kings—who recently appointed Shreyas Iyer as captain—in preparing for what promises to be a thrilling competition.