Rishabh Pant named captain of Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2025

Indian cricket sensation Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the IPL 2025 season. The announcement was made during the LSG Special Live show on Star Sports, featuring franchise owner Dr. Sanjiv Goenka.

Pant’s journey to LSG made headlines last November when he became the most expensive player in IPL history. During the mega auction held in Jeddah, LSG secured the star wicketkeeper-batter for a record-breaking ₹27 crores. His bid surpassed Shreyas Iyer’s ₹26.75 crores, set just minutes earlier when Iyer was picked by Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Initially, a bidding war for Pant saw intense competition between LSG and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) later joined the fray, aiming to boost their batting lineup, while Delhi Capitals (DC) attempted to use their ‘Right to Match’ card. However, none could match the staggering bid from LSG.

Pant, known for his fearless batting and electrifying presence on the field, is one of India’s most celebrated all-format players. His T20 International record includes 1,209 runs in 76 matches at a strike rate of nearly 128, while his overall T20 stats are even more impressive, with 5,022 runs in 202 games at a strike rate of over 145, including two centuries and 25 fifties.

In the IPL, Pant has been a consistent performer, representing Delhi Capitals (DC) since his debut in 2016. Over 110 matches, he amassed 3,284 runs at an average of 35.31, with a century and 18 half-centuries. He took over as DC’s captain in 2021, leading the team to the playoffs in his first season at the helm.

Rishabh Pant Shares Vision as New Lucknow Super Giants Captain

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, newly appointed as the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has shared insights into his approach to leadership. Speaking after his appointment, Pant emphasized a proactive captaincy style that fosters open communication and provides players the freedom to express themselves on the field.

Pant, 25, discussed the challenges of leading a team filled with senior and international players in the IPL. “One aspect of my captaincy is that I want to be very proactive. The more communication you have with the management and players, the better the bond becomes,” Pant said during LSG Special Live on Star Sports.

He highlighted the importance of aligning everyone’s mindset toward a common goal. “In the IPL, where there are so many senior and international players, the challenge is to ensure communication is clear and that everyone works in the same direction: wanting the team to win,” he added.

Pant also spoke about creating a supportive environment where players feel valued and backed by the franchise. “I want to give players the freedom to express themselves and ensure they feel supported. It’s about building an environment where players want to come and play for the franchise.”

Pant’s appointment as captain comes after LSG acquired him for a record-breaking ₹27 crores during the IPL mega auction in Jeddah last November, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. He surpassed the ₹26.75 crores bid for Shreyas Iyer by Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mitchell Starc’s ₹24.75 crores return to the IPL.

The bidding war for Pant saw intense competition, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Delhi Capitals (DC) vying for the player. However, LSG outbid all competitors, firmly committing to the star wicketkeeper-batter.

Pant, an all-format player for India, has a reputation for delivering in high-pressure situations. While his T20I numbers show 1,209 runs in 76 matches at a strike rate of 128, his overall T20 stats are more impressive, boasting 5,022 runs in 202 games at a strike rate of over 145, with two centuries and 25 fifties.

Pant represented Delhi Capitals (DC) since 2016, amassing 3,284 runs in 110 IPL matches at an average of 35.31, including a century and 18 fifties. He captained DC in 43 matches, winning 24 and taking the team to the playoffs in his debut season as skipper in 2021.

Rishabh Pant Hilariously Recalls Watching His Record-Breaking IPL Auction Bid

Newly appointed Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant also shared a lighthearted account of how he followed his record-breaking IPL auction bid during the mega auction in November last year.

Pant recounted the experience during LSG Special Live on Star Sports, where his record-breaking ₹27 crore bid by LSG made him the most expensive player in IPL history. “We started watching the auction on a phone with roaming charges. Rohit bhai had just come in and suggested we watch together. We didn’t even know it was on TV,” Pant joked.

As the tension mounted, Pant admitted he couldn’t keep watching. “I told myself I wouldn’t watch after ₹10-15 crores because the pressure was building up. Eventually, I was excited, nervous, and had one big tension in my mind—Punjab Kings,” he said, referring to PBKS’s ₹112 crore purse.

Pant explained how the bidding war unfolded. “When Shreyas [Iyer] went to Punjab Kings, I thought I might end up with LSG, but with auctions, you never know. I just crossed my fingers and let things happen,” he added.

Pant ultimately joined LSG for ₹27 crores, surpassing Iyer’s ₹26.75 crores bid by PBKS and Mitchell Starc’s ₹24.75 crores bid, marking the Australian pacer’s return to the IPL.