Rishabh Pant’s Release To IPL Auction Pool All But Confirmed

Sanjiv Goenka's LSG might release Rishabh Pant ahead of IPL 2027 [Source: AFP]

Rishabh Pant’s difficult stint with Lucknow Super Giants appears to be heading for an abrupt end. Only a day after the franchise announced that Pant had requested to step down as captain, it has emerged that the think-tank is seriously considering releasing him altogether ahead of the next mini auction.

Recent developments state that the management is unhappy with Rishabh Pant’s output and believes the team can get far better value than the INR 27 crore he currently commands. While a final call is pending, the prospect of Pant entering the auction pool is now “imminent.”

Rishabh Pant's Captaincy Exit and Poor Numbers

On May 29, LSG confirmed that Pant had voluntarily given up the captaincy after two disappointing seasons. The franchise posted a statement saying Pant had “requested to be relieved of his captaincy duties,” and that the request had been respectfully accepted.

Moody added, “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.”

Beneath the polite words, the numbers paint a grim picture. In 28 matches as captain, Pant recorded only 10 wins, a meagre win percentage of 35.71.

With the bat, he accumulated 581 runs at an average of 26.40 and a strike rate of 135.74. The 2026 season was a complete disaster: LSG finished bottom of the table with just 4 wins from 14 games.

Why LSG’s Think-Tank Is Ready to Move On?

The decision to potentially release Pant is being driven by the franchise’s experienced coaching setup. Sources told The Telegraph that Langer, Williamson, and Moody are collectively of the view that Pant’s performances have not matched the expectations that come with the price tag.

The think-tank respects Pant’s ability but feels the team needs a fresh start, both in leadership and in resource allocation. While Rishabh Pant’s voluntary step-down from the captaincy was seen as a face-saving measure, it has not guaranteed his spot in the Lucknow Super Giants squad.

One franchise insider indicated that releasing Pant is an option that is “definitely on the table,” and that the management is seriously evaluating whether to let him go back into the auction pool.

There is also a possibility that LSG could attempt to buy him back at a much lower price, but there is no assurance of that outcome.

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The INR 27 Crore Burden On LSG

At INR 27 crore, Pant is the most expensive player in LSG’s roster and one of the costliest in IPL history. For a franchise that finished last in 2026, carrying such a massive salary for a player who has not delivered either as captain or as a consistent match-winner is increasingly seen as unsustainable.

The franchise believes the same purse could be used far more efficiently to strengthen multiple areas of the squad.

While another misfiring star, Nicholas Pooran, may survive the axe due to his explosive potential and utility role, Pant’s all-round returns are not justifying the investment.

The franchise brain trust is expected to debate this in the coming weeks, but indications are that Pant could be released.

What Next for Pant and LSG?

If Rishabh Pant is released, he will enter the mini auction as one of the most high-profile names, and several franchises in need of a wicketkeeper-batter with a point to prove might show interest.

For LSG, the rebuild will involve identifying a new captain who can offer stability and performance. The franchise, which debuted in 2022, has reached the playoffs only twice in four seasons and is still searching for a core identity.

With Moody, Langer, and Williamson at the helm, the focus will be on building a balanced squad rather than carrying one mega-contract that does not deliver.

Also Read- All Captains Of Lucknow Super Giants In IPL History