Rishabh Pant Steps Down as LSG Captain Ahead of IPL 2027

Lucknow Super Giants confirmed that Rishabh Pant requested to step down as captain, and the franchise accepted immediately.

Rishabh Pant stepped down as captain of Lucknow Super Giants after a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. The franchise confirmed on May 29 that Pant requested immediate relief from leadership duties and the management accepted his decision.

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LSG had signed Pant for a massive INR 27 crore during the IPL 2025 auction, making him one of the franchise’s biggest acquisitions. However, the season failed to go according to plan as Lucknow struggled for consistency throughout the tournament.

“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,” read the official statement from Lucknow.

Official announcement. pic.twitter.com/7WeOwpkDr6

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) May 29, 2026

LSG Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, confirmed that Rishabh Pant personally requested to step down as captain. Moody said the franchise respected Pant’s decision and will now focus on rebuilding the squad ahead of next season.

“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,” he said.

Pant endured a difficult campaign despite entering the tournament with a record INR 27 crore price tag. The wicketkeeper-batter scored only 312 runs from 14 matches at an average of 28.36 and a strike rate of 138.05. His highest score remained an unbeaten 68 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, while he managed only 1 half-century all season.

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LSG finished bottom of the table in 10th place after winning just 4 of their 14 matches. The side also suffered a damaging 6-match losing streak and failed to register a single home win during the season.