Rishabh Pant, the most expensive player in IPL auction history, has been officially appointed as the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the 2025 season. The announcement, made on Monday, comes after LSG co-owner Sanjiv Goenka secured Pant’s services for a record-breaking ₹27 crore during the mega auction in November 2024.
A Leadership Role for a Star Player
Pant’s appointment as captain seemed inevitable given his stature and the significant investment made by LSG. Despite a lackluster 2024 season with the Delhi Capitals, where his team finished sixth in the standings, the 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading LSG, who ended the previous season in seventh place.
Expressing confidence in Pant’s leadership potential, Goenka stated, “Rishabh Pant has all the makings of a great IPL captain. In the next 10-12 years, his name will be mentioned alongside legends like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.”
A Fresh Start for Pant
Pant’s new role offers him an opportunity for a fresh start after a challenging few years. Recovering from a near-fatal car accident in 2023, he faced a difficult Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, scoring less than 200 runs in 10 innings with only one half-century. However, the white-ball series against England and the Champions Trophy ahead of the IPL season will allow him to regain form and confidence.
Pant replaces KL Rahul as captain, bringing renewed energy and vision to the team. LSG also made strategic additions during the auction, including high-profile players like Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, Aiden Markram, and Mitchell Marsh, alongside promising domestic talent.
A Proven Performer in the IPL
Since his IPL debut in 2016, Pant has accumulated 3,284 runs in 111 matches. His best season came in 2018, where he amassed 684 runs, including a career-best unbeaten 128 against the Mumbai Indians. Pant has also achieved three seasons with over 400 runs, cementing his reputation as a consistent and impactful player.
LSG’s Aspirations Under Pant
With a star-studded lineup and Pant at the helm, the Lucknow Super Giants are aiming for a breakthrough season in IPL 2025. Fans and experts alike will be watching closely as Pant embarks on this new chapter, with high expectations for both his captaincy and performance.
