Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has started working on KL Rahul after he was named captain of Lucknow Super Giants for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
Lucknow Super Giants officially named Rishabh Pant as their captain on Monday, January 20, during an event in Kolkata. KL Rahul, who has been the captain since the inception of the franchise in 2022, was released ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, marking the end of his three-season tenure with the team.
Lucknow Super Giants broke the bank to buy the services of Rishabh Pant
Super Giants broke the bank to acquire the services of Rishabh Pant during the mega auction 2025. Pant became the most expensive player in the history of the league after he was bought for Rs 27 crore. Pant, who was with Delhi Capitals (DC) from 2016 to 2024, was released after the 2024 season.
KL Rahul captained Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL from 2022 to 2024, leading them to the playoffs in the first two seasons but failing in the last. Rishabh Pant will now take over as the fourth captain of the Lucknow team, after Krunal Pandya, KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran.
I always think about it – Rishabh Pant
Hesitantly left the chat Rishabh Bhai 🤯
Iykyk who is he referring to here pic.twitter.com/fbzExQuU1R— Spiderman Pant (@cricwithpant) January 20, 2025
Speaking after being named LSG captain, Pant emphasized that his primary focus is to contribute runs for the team. He made it clear that his mindset revolves around how he can improve and work, rather than worrying about leadership.
“I am or I am not the captain. I don’t think my focus is only on my personal performance, how I should make runs. I always think about that,” Pant said.
Rishabh Pant is one of the most experienced cricketers in the IPL, he has played 111 matches and scored 3284 runs at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93. As LSG’s new captain, he will work with head coach Justin Langer and mentor Zaheer Khan as part of the team’s leadership group.
After missing the entire 2023 IPL season due to injuries sustained in a car accident, Pant made a strong comeback in 2024, scoring 446 runs at an average of over 40 and a strike rate of 155.40 in 13 matches. Despite his impressive individual performance, the Delhi Capitals (DC) failed to qualify for the playoffs that year.
Lucknow Super Giants are yet to win the IPL title
Lucknow Super Giants are yet to win the IPL title, having participated in three seasons since their debut in 2022. They have reached the playoffs in the first two seasons. However, they failed to secure the title in any year. The team missed the playoffs last season, finishing seventh.
LSG will try to bounce back with Pant now leading the team. Pant, with a captaincy record of 43 matches, 23 wins and a win percentage of 53.48, will face huge expectations. Given the franchise’s significant investment in him, it will be intriguing to see how Pant handles his new role as host.
