Rishabh Pant and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have officially parted ways in leadership terms after the wicketkeeper-batter stepped down as captain following a disappointing IPL 2026 season. The franchise confirmed the development through an official statement on social media, bringing an end to Pant’s two-year stint as skipper of the Lucknow-based side. The franchise viewed him as the face of a new era following the departure of former captain KL Rahul. However, results in the field failed to match expectations as the team struggled across both seasons under his leadership.
Lucknow Super Giants confirm Pant’s decision
LSG released an official statement confirming that Pant himself approached the management requesting to step down from captaincy duties. The franchise accepted the decision with immediate effect. LSG Director of Cricket Tom Moody also addressed the situation and admitted that the franchise now plans to rebuild after a difficult campaign.
“Lucknow Super Giants wish to formally announce that Rishabh Pant has requested to be relieved of his captaincy duties with the franchise, and the franchise has accepted his request with immediate effect. 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,” the statement read.
Here’s the post:
Official announcement. pic.twitter.com/7WeOwpkDr6
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) May 29, 2026
Pant struggled as captain and batter at LSG
Pant arrived at LSG with massive expectations after being bought for a record INR 27.50 crore ahead of IPL 2025. His tenure as captain never truly took off despite the excitement surrounding his arrival. LSG failed to qualify for the playoffs in both seasons under him and hit rock bottom in IPL 2026 after managing only four wins in 14 matches.
The franchise had also endured a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, where they won just six matches. Overall, Pant registered only 10 victories in 28 matches as captain of the side. His batting performances also dipped significantly during this phase. After scoring 446 runs for Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2024 before joining LSG, Pant managed just 269 runs in IPL 2025. While he improved slightly in IPL 2026 with 312 runs, consistency remained a major concern.
Across his two seasons with LSG, Pant scored 581 runs in 28 matches at an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 135.74, including one century and two half-centuries.
Who could become the next LSG captain?
With Pant stepping down, Lucknow Super Giants will now begin the search for a new captain ahead of the next IPL season. The squad already features several experienced leadership candidates.
Aiden Markram is seen as one of the frontrunners, especially considering his leadership experience with Durban Super Giants in SA20 and Manchester Super Giants in The Hundred. Senior overseas stars like Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran are also possible options, having captained their respective national sides in the past.
Lucknow will now hope a fresh leadership direction can help the franchise recover after a difficult IPL 2026 season and rebuild into playoff contenders once again.
