LSG's Captaincy Woes Continue: After KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant Steps Down Following IPL 2026 Disaster

Rishabh Pant has stepped down as Lucknow Super Giants captain with immediate effect after a poor IPL 2026 season. LSG confirmed on 29 May that the franchise accepted Pant’s request to leave the role. Pant remains with the team as a player, but leadership responsibilities will shift.

The wicketkeeper-batter had arrived at Lucknow as a high-profile signing at the IPL 2025 auction. LSG bought Pant for Rs. 27 Crore after a strong 2024 campaign with Delhi Capitals, where Pant scored 446 runs from 13 matches and re-established a strong batting reputation.

Rishabh Pant and Lucknow Super Giants captaincy decision

Lucknow released an official statement confirming the captaincy change. “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 message from the team management.

Pant’s two seasons as LSG captain did not deliver the results that the franchise expected. In IPL 2026, Lucknow finished bottom of the table with only four wins from 14 matches. The previous year brought six victories from 14 games, leaving Pant with 10 wins across 28 matches in charge.

Rishabh Pant, Lucknow Super Giants results and personal form

Pant’s individual form dipped during his tenure with Lucknow Super Giants. In the 2025 season, Pant scored 269 runs from 14 innings. During IPL 2026, Pant improved slightly to 312 runs, but those numbers stayed below his earlier standards and limited his influence in tight contests.

Across 28 matches for LSG, Pant scored 581 runs at an average of 26.4 and a strike-rate of 135.74. He managed one century and just two half-centuries while captaining the side. These returns contrasted with the expectations that followed his expensive signing and earlier Delhi Capitals performances.

Rishabh Pant, Lucknow Super Giants future plans and captaincy options

Director of cricket Tom Moody had already hinted at leadership changes after the team’s disappointing 2026 campaign. “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,” said Moody in the press release.

LSG will now search within the squad for a new captain ahead of IPL 2027. The franchise has several experienced international leaders available, including Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran, who have all captained their national teams. The next appointment will shape how Lucknow Super Giants respond to consecutive underwhelming seasons.