Rishabh Pant has returned to Delhi Capitals (DC) in a blockbuster trade deal that sends star wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Following the move, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka spoke about Pant, recalling the wicketkeeper-batter’s “innocence” and “childlike” nature during his two-year stint.
Pant had joined Lucknow Super Giants for a record INR 27 crore ahead of the 2025 season. The left-handed batter became the most expensive player in IPL history at the time. However, his stint with the franchise failed to deliver the expected results, with LSG finishing last in the IPL 2026 season under his captaincy.
Sanjiv Goenka Praises Rishabh Pant Following Trade Departure
Despite Rishabh Pant’s disappointing end to his captaincy stint with Lucknow Super Giants, owner Sanjiv Goenka lauded the wicketkeeper-batter. Goenka spoke about Pant’s personality and recalled his playful nature away from the cricket field.
“I’m very fond of him. Usme ek innocence hai, ek bachpana hai. Kabhi bhi aake kahin se bhi pakad lega… kuch prank play kar dega… matlab… wo kuch bhi kar dega. (He has this innocence and childlike nature about him. He can come up to you anytime, grab you from anywhere, pull a prank or do something unexpected. I mean, he can do anything),” Goenka said.
Dr. Sanjeev Goenka Sir on Rishabh Pant :-
“I’m very fond of him. He’s such an innocent and childish person.” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5roLB8tbkO
— Super Giants Army (@LSGFansClub) September 13, 2026
Pant shared a bond with the LSG management despite the franchise eventually deciding to move on from him. Pant joined LSG ahead of IPL 2025 and was appointed captain soon after the auction. He left the franchise two seasons before LSG completed a trade with Delhi Capitals.
Lucknow Super Giants Struggle During Rishabh Pant’s Captaincy
Rishabh Pant’s time with LSG did not produce the results the franchise expected after making him the most expensive player in IPL history. He scored 581 runs in 28 matches across his two seasons, including an unbeaten century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025.
Pant scored 269 runs in 14 matches in IPL 2025. During his second season with LSG, he managed 312 runs in 14 games at an average of 28.36 and a strike rate of 138.05.
LSG also failed to reach the playoffs in either season under Pant. The 2026 campaign was particularly difficult, with the franchise finishing at the bottom of the points table after winning only four of their 14 league matches.
Rishabh Pant Returns to Delhi Capitals Ahead of IPL 2027
Pant’s return to Delhi Capitals marks a homecoming after nine seasons with the franchise between 2016 and 2024. He made 111 appearances for DC, the most by any player, and scored 3,284 runs during his first stint.
Pant also led Delhi during a successful phase of his career. He took over as captain in 2021 and guided the team to the top of the league table before they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Qualifier 2.
Delhi will now hope Pant can rediscover his best form after two inconsistent seasons in Lucknow. The franchise has also lost Kuldeep Yadav in the trade, with the left-arm wrist-spinner moving to LSG for INR 13.5 crore. Kuldeep took 72 wickets in 65 matches for Delhi after joining the franchise in 2022.
