Rishabh Pant stepped down from LSG captaincy role [Source: AFP]Just as everyone expected, Rishabh Pant, the LSG captain, has stepped down from his post after Lucknow Super Giants’ disastrous IPL 2026 campaign, where they got eliminated from the playoff race. Team owner spent 27 crores on him, and they also made him the team captain, but the move failed.LSG couldn’t reach the playoffs in 2025, and there was a repeat telecast as LSG failed to deliver the goods yet again. As a result, Pant decided to step away from the role to concentrate on his batting. He still gets paid 27 crores, and judging by how the team owners have worked before, they wouldn’t pay him such a hefty amount just to play as a pure batter.There is a good chance that Pant could be released before the IPL 2027 auction, and here are 3 IPL franchises that could target him for the next season.1) Delhi CapitalsPant was associated with the Delhi Capitals ever since his IPL debut, but after the 2024 campaign, he decided to switch alliances and entered the IPL mega auction pool, where LSG roped him in. DC is where Pant played his best IPL cricket, and the southpaw still has a strong connection with the team.Moreover, Pant boasted stellar IPL records playing for the Capitals, as he scored 3284 runs in 111 matches, with a strike rate of 148. DC does need a solid and a reliable middle-order batter, and Pant fits the bill perfectly as he could bat at number 4 for the side.If KL Rahul doesn’t want to take up the keeping duties, Pant can do the same, and hence, he could be a brilliant fit in the Delhi Capitals side for next season.Also Read: Rishabh Pant To Prince Yadav: LSG Player Ratings For IPL 20262) Gujarat TitansGujarat’s top three are fixed with Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler playing. However, the Titans have a weak middle-order, and there is no reliable batter at number 4. Pant can do that role, and the flat Narendra Modi Stadium surface would help his batting.Buttler is 35 and may not play in the IPL for too long; hence, the team might also need a long-term keeping replacement, and Pant will do the job for the Gujarat Titans. Currently, GT uses Washington Sundar at 4, but instead of him, the team can get in a proper batter at that position, and Pant is the answer.3) Mumbai IndiansPant loves to bat at the Wankhede Stadium (MI’s home ground), as he has accumulated 389 runs in 14 matches, with an astonishing strike rate of 162.MI’s two keepers in the squad are Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock. Most likely, they are going to keep only one of the two, and that would leave a space vacant for another solid keeper.Rickelton is most likely to stay, and even if Pant doesn’t keep for the Mumbai Indians, he can be slotted in at number 4. The batter has a staggering record at Wankhede, and he could be a dangerous batter at MI’s home ground.Plus, with Suryakumar playing in at 3, and Tilak Varma likely to play as a finisher (number 5), the number 4 is left open, and the franchise could try and get Pant in their team for next season.Also Read: Rishabh Pant's Replacements: LSG Players In Race To Be Appointed Captain For IPL 2027
