Sanjiv Goenka Backs Rishabh Pant Despite Poor Start as LSG Skipper in IPL 2025

Rishabh Pant’s return to the IPL as captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) hasn’t gone according to script so far. The star wicketkeeper-batter has struggled with the bat, managing just 17 runs in his first three outings. But despite the early setbacks, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka remains fully confident in Pant’s leadership, expressing that the southpaw’s best is yet to come.

Mixed Start for LSG Under New Captain

The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League kicked off with high hopes for LSG, especially after acquiring Pant for a staggering INR 27 crore in the mega auction. However, the team’s performance has been inconsistent—securing a win against Sunrisers Hyderabad but losing to both Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. LSG currently sits seventh on the points table with two points from three matches.

Pant’s personal form has also raised concerns. The 27-year-old has managed scores of 0, 15, and 2 in the first three matches, far below expectations. His lack of runs was especially evident in LSG’s recent loss to Punjab Kings, where an animated on-field conversation between Goenka and Pant drew widespread attention.

“His Best Leadership is Yet to Come” – Goenka

In a candid interview with JioHotstar, Goenka revealed that the franchise had meticulously planned around Pant once they learned he wouldn’t be retained by Delhi Capitals. “The moment we knew he was not being retained, we built the team around him. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I believe Rishabh is a great leader,” Goenka said.

“He’s fearless, instinctive, and destructive—the kind of cricketer who brings energy to the dressing room. His best leadership is yet to come,” he added. “And 27 is the number we got him at. If it meant 28, that would have been the number too.”

A Different LSG Under Pant

Goenka highlighted that LSG in 2025 is built on intent and ambition. “Every player in this team has strong intent and a fierce desire to win. We needed a captain who trusts his instincts and leads from the front. In Rishabh, we have exactly that,” he noted.

This season marks a significant change in the LSG leadership setup, as the franchise has moved on from former skipper KL Rahul, who led them in the previous two editions. The transition to Pant was meant to inject fresh energy and a fearless approach to their campaign.

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