Now leading from behind, Rishabh Pant exits as Lucknow Super Giants skipper after IPL 2026. Over two seasons, just ten victories marked his time in charge. Playoff spots stayed out of reach every single time. Seventh place came last year; this season brought rock bottom instead. Bought for INR 27 crore, he took the reins straight away – yet luck never showed up afterward
“Lucknow Super Giants wish to formally announce that Rishabh Pant has requested to be relieved from his captaincy duties with the franchise, and the franchise has accepted the request with immediate effect,” LSG’s statement read.
Midway through his skipper role, Pant struggled to stand out with the bat. Across 26 games, he totaled 581 runs, striking at 135.74. Shifting around the lineup didn’t help – his glove work and hitting both fell short. Leadership weighed heavy; so did the big contract. That load seeped into his game, dragging down performances just when the side needed sparks. Playoff dreams fizzled fast under that strain.
Goenka-Pant factor
That season, moments stood out where owner Sanjiv Goenka showed clear frustration toward Pant. A loud exchange between them caught attention more than once. Finishing tenth this year, the side possibly felt change was needed – moving forward looked different now.
Back then, things were flipped entirely. Still, Goenka spotted something big in Pant – saw him stepping into the role left behind by Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni one day.
“According to me, he will play for the next 12-15 years. People say that MI and CSK are more successful. Mahi and Rohit are undeniably brilliant. Mark my words, after 10 years, people will say, Mahi, Rohit and Rishabh,” Goenka told Star Sports.
What person might step into the role of leader?
Who steps up after Pant? Could be Mitchell Marsh. Maybe Aiden Markram. Or even Nicholas Pooran. Right now, the edge likely belongs to the South African star – he captains the Durban Super Giants in the SA20, after all.
