IPL 2025’s Costliest Player Rishabh Pant Named Captain Of Lucknow Super Giants
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have made a bold statement ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) by appointing Rishabh Pant as their new captain. Pant, who became the most expensive player in IPL history after being acquired for ₹27 crore in the 2025 mega auction in Saudi Arabia, now leads a franchise looking to make its mark in the upcoming season. This high-profile signing signals LSG’s intent to strengthen their leadership and elevate their game after a rocky 2024 campaign.
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Rishabh Pant’s appointment as the captain of Lucknow Super Giants marks a new chapter in the 27-year-old’s career. Pant, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter known for his aggressive playing style, has been a prominent figure in Indian cricket. After missing the 2023 IPL due to a life-threatening car accident in December 2022, Pant made a triumphant return to the tournament in 2024, scoring 446 runs and solidifying his place in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. His return has reignited his passion for the game, and now, Pant has the opportunity to lead one of the most exciting teams in the IPL.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” Pant shared, reflecting on his new role as LSG’s skipper. His leadership qualities were evident during his tenure as the captain of Delhi Capitals, where he took the reins in 2021 and retained the leadership role in 2022. Though his stint with Delhi ended with mixed results, Pant’s ability to inspire his team has been widely acknowledged.
The Lucknow Super Giants’ decision to release their previous captain, KL Rahul, and appoint Rishabh Pant as the new leader comes as a strategic shift. The franchise had high expectations from Rahul, but with his move to Delhi Capitals, LSG needed a new face to guide them to greater success. Rishabh Pant, known for his fearless approach and match-winning abilities, was the obvious choice.
LSG’s principal owner, Sanjiv Goenka, elaborated on the strategic planning behind Pant’s acquisition. “The amount of strategizing that was done revolved around Rishabh, and we have always kept him in mind. We believe that he is not only the most expensive player of IPL but also the best player of IPL,” Goenka said, indicating LSG’s long-term commitment to Pant’s leadership.
Following their debut in 2022, LSG qualified for the IPL playoffs in both 2022 and 2023, but their performance in 2024 fell short, and they failed to make the top four. With Pant at the helm, the team is looking to build a strong, cohesive unit that can challenge for the title in IPL 2025.
Ahead of the season, LSG retained key players, including Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Ayush Badoni, and Mohsin Khan. These players, along with Pant’s leadership, will be critical to the team’s success. The combination of Pant’s fiery batting and their solid core of retained players offers LSG the perfect balance between experience and youth.
Pant’s IPL journey is nothing short of spectacular. With over 3,000 runs in 111 matches, the wicketkeeper-batter has consistently been a standout performer. His attacking style of play, coupled with his leadership skills, make him one of the most valuable assets in the IPL.
Pant’s journey has had its fair share of ups and downs, but his resilience and commitment to the game have always shone through. His return to form in IPL 2024 was a testament to his determination and focus. Now, as the captain of Lucknow Super Giants, Pant will have the responsibility of leading his team not just with the bat, but also through tactical decisions and team management.
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