Sanjiv Goenka Rishabh Pant for LSG. Image Credits: X
In a major development, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have officially released Rishabh Pant from his captaincy duties.
Notably, the decision came after a disappointing IPL 2026 season for the franchise, which finished at the bottom of the points table for the first time since making their IPL debut in 2022.
LSG End Their Worst IPL Season
It is important to note that LSG had a season to forget in IPL 2026. Despite entering the tournament with high expectations, the Rishabh Pant-led team struggled throughout the campaign. As a result, they managed to win only four matches in 14 matches and eventually ended at the last position in the standings.
Moreover, their final league match summed up their poor season perfectly. Punjab Kings defeated LSG by seven wickets in Lucknow, handing them their 10th loss of the season.
Rishabh Pant Steps Down As LSG Captain
Interestingly, the announcement came on Friday during the IPL 2026 playoffs. In an official press release shared on X (formerly Twitter), the franchise confirmed that Rishabh Pant himself had requested to step down from captaincy.
The statement read: “Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) wish to formally announce that Rishabh Pant has requested to be relieved of his captaincy duties with the franchise, and the franchise has accepted his request with immediate effect.”
Also Read: Rishabh Pant's Replacements: LSG Players In Race To Be Appointed Captain For IPL 2027
Tom Moody Reacts To The Decision
Meanwhile, LSG Director of Cricket Tom Moody also spoke about the situation. According to Moody, Pant personally approached the management with the request.
He said: “Rishabh approached the franchise with this request and we have respectfully accepted it. These decisions are never easy. We are grateful for everything Rishabh has brought to this dressing room as captain. Our focus now is on the collective — rebuilding and restructuring to reach the best standards.”
LSG's Poor Results Under Pant’s Leadership
Unfortunately for LSG, the team struggled in both IPL 2025 and IPL 2026. Last season, they finished seventh on the table with six wins and eight defeats. However, matters became even worse this year.
Additionally, Pant’s performances with the bat were far below expectations. In IPL 2025, he scored 269 runs at an average of 24.45. Furthermore, his form did not improve much in the following season either.
During IPL 2026, the left-handed batter scored 312 runs in 13 innings. Although he played a few useful knocks, his average remained below 30, while his strike rate was only 138.05. Compared to his earlier standards, Pant looked like a shadow of his former self.
Will LSG Continue With Rishabh Pant?
However, there are still doubts regarding his long-term future with the team. Since Rishabh Pant is earning a massive ₹27 crore salary, LSG management might think about releasing him before the IPL 2027 auction to free up their purse and rebuild the squad according to their plans.
Meanwhile, LSG have not yet announced their next captain. However, they have several experienced options within the squad.
Players like Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, and Mitchell Marsh could be considered for the leadership role because of their international experience. On the other hand, young Indian batter Ayush Badoni is also emerging as a strong candidate after leading Delhi in domestic cricket.
Also Read: Why Rohit Sharma Is A Complete No Go For Mumbai Indians' Captaincy?
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