IPL 2026: Rishabh Pant steps down as Lucknow Super Giants captain

Lucknow Super Giants have officially confirmed that Rishabh Pant has stepped down as captain of the franchise, with the decision taking immediate effect. The development comes after Pant was appointed skipper following his record-breaking move to the franchise in the IPL mega auction and went on to captain the side for two seasons.

In an official statement released by the franchise, LSG said Pant himself had requested to be relieved of leadership responsibilities, and the management had accepted the decision.

“Rishabh Pant has requested to be relieved of his captaincy duties with the franchise, and the franchise has accepted his request with immediate effect,” the statement read.



LSG Director of Cricket Tom Moody also addressed the situation and admitted that such calls are never straightforward for either the player or the management.

“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,” Moody said.

Pant had entered the IPL mega auction as one of the biggest names available and eventually became the most expensive player in IPL auction history after LSG secured him for a staggering Rs 27 crore.

However, the performances did not match expectations, both as a batter and as captain. In IPL 2025, LSG finished seventh on the points table under Pant’s leadership, while the wicketkeeper-batter endured a disappointing campaign with the bat. Pant scored 269 runs that season at an average of 24.45 and a strike rate of 133.17. His unbeaten 118 against RCB in LSG’s final league game was the lone major highlight in an otherwise underwhelming season.

The struggles continued in IPL 2026 as LSG finished at the bottom of the table under Pant’s captaincy. Pant again failed to produce consistent performances with the bat, managing 312 runs in 14 matches at an average of 28.36 and a strike rate of 138.05, with only one fifty-plus score throughout the season.

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