Rishabh Pant Steps Down As LSG Captain After Team’s Disappointing Finish

LUCKNOW -Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 29 confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has stepped down as captain with immediate effect, a decision accepted by the franchise after the team finished last in the IPL 2026 standings.

Pant, who joined LSG for a record Rs 27 crore in the 2024 mega auction after leaving Delhi Capitals, endured two difficult seasons as captain. LSG finished seventh in IPL 2025 before slipping to 10th place this year with just four wins in 14 matches.

“Rishabh approached the franchise with this request and we have respectfully accepted it. These decisions are never easy. We are grateful for everything Rishabh has brought to this dressing room as captain. Our focus now is on the collective — rebuilding and restructuring to reach the best standards,” said Tom Moody, Global Director of Cricket for Lucknow Super Giants.

Under Pant’s leadership, LSG won 10 and lost 18 matches across two seasons. He also struggled with the bat, scoring 581 runs at a strike rate of 135.74 during that period.

A Lucknow Super Giants franchise official said Pant made his intentions clear shortly after the season ended and believed a leadership change was necessary following another disappointing campaign.

“It’s also understood that Rishabh told the LSG coaching staff and management that it would be selfish of him to continue as captain after yet another disappointing season. Plus, he wants to prioritize his batting in the longer run, considering he is not an automatic pick in the Indian side in white-ball formats,” the official said.

The franchise has not yet announced a successor to Pant for the 2027 IPL season. (IANS)