Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have appointed Rishabh Pant as their new captain for IPL 2025 after acquiring him at the pre-season auction for a record INR 27 crore (approximately USD 3.21 million). In his first address as captain, Pant pledged to give his “200%” to the franchise, expressing gratitude for the faith shown in him by team owner Sanjiv Goenka and mentor Zaheer Khan.
Pant takes over from KL Rahul, who captained LSG in their first three seasons before re-entering the auction. The move to LSG marks a fresh chapter for Pant, who was with Delhi Capitals since 2016 and captained them from 2021, barring the 2023 season when he recovered from a serious car accident. With LSG, Pant aims to build on their record of two playoff appearances in three seasons.
Pant emphasized his leadership philosophy, focusing on trust, clear communication, and fostering a culture of resilience within the team. “Performances may vary, but a never-say-die attitude and giving your all on the field are non-negotiable,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of pushing individual limits to benefit the team.
Zaheer Khan lauded Pant as an inspirational figure who brings a fresh approach to the game, describing his appointment as a foundational step in creating a winning culture at LSG. Addressing concerns about the team’s left-heavy middle order, which includes Pant, David Miller, and Nicholas Pooran, Zaheer framed it as a “tactical edge,” focusing on squad balance and adaptability.
With IPL 2025 set to begin on March 21 at Eden Gardens, LSG becomes the second franchise to announce a new captain, following Punjab Kings’ appointment of Shreyas Iyer. Pant now leads a side eager to establish its unique brand of cricket under his leadership.
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