Rishabh Pant has stepped down as the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants following a disastrous campaign in the IPL 2026. Pant was signed by the franchise ahead of the 2024 season of the Indian T20 league for a whopping INR 27 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction, making him the most expensive player in the history of the tournament. Later, ahead of the IPL 2026 season, the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise retained him at the same price. However, the wicketkeeper-batter couldn’t prove his mark as the skipper of the team.

In the 2025 season, the Super Giants in the seventh spot with 12 points before finishing last in the 2026 season with just eight points. Not only this, but the Indian cricketer also struggled to perform individually and could score only 312 runs in 14 games at an average of 28.36. Moreover, throughout the season, Pant remained under heavy scrutiny for his unprofessional behaviour and lack of leadership traits.

 

 

Rishabh Pant resigns as LSG skipper, confirms franchise

The news of Pant stepping down as the skipper of the team was confirmed by the franchise itself via X. “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 franchisee has accepted his request with immediate effect,” the team announced.

In addition to it, LSG Director of Cricket, Tom Moody said, "Rishabh approached the franchisee 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.”

Before LSG, Pant spent eight seasons at Delhi Capitals and enjoyed successful seasons with the side.