Image: Rishabh Pant was named captain of the LSG for IPL 2025, replacing KL Rahul / © Sports Tak
For the IPL 2025 season, Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), replacing KL Rahul, who was released after leading the team for three seasons. LSG acquired Pant for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore during the mega auction, making him the most expensive player in IPL history.
KL Rahul’s tenure as captain saw LSG reach the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, but they failed to progress in 2024, finishing seventh. Pant, a veteran of 111 IPL matches with 3,284 runs at a strike rate of 148.93, expressed his focus on team performance rather than individual leadership. His prior experience includes captaining the Delhi Capitals in 43 matches, with a 53.48% win rate.
After missing IPL 2023 due to a car accident, Pant returned in 2024 with impressive form, scoring 446 runs at an average of over 40 and a strike rate of 155.40. He now joins LSG’s leadership group, working alongside head coach Justin Langer and mentor Zaheer Khan.
LSG, still chasing their first IPL title, are banking on Pant’s leadership and performance to turn their fortunes around. His appointment signals a fresh chapter for the franchise as they aim for their maiden championship win.