Wicketkeeper-Batter Rishabh Pant has taken a dig at KL Rahul after being appointed as the captain of Lucknow Super Giants for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Rishabh Pant highlighted that he does not focus on personal performance while making a remark regarding his approach to leadership.
Lucknow Super Giants officially appointed Rishabh Pant as their captain on Monday, January 20, during an event in Kolkata. KL Rahul, who has been the captain since the franchise's inception in 2022, was released ahead of the mega IPL 2025 auction, marking the end of his three-season stint with the team.
Lucknow Super Giants have broken the bank to acquire the services of Rishabh Pant
The Super Giants broke the bank to acquire the services of Rishabh Pant during the mega auction of 2025. Pant became the most expensive player in the history of the league after he was bought for Rs 27 crore. Pant, who was with Delhi Capitals (DC) from 2016 to 2024, was released after the 2024 season.
Rahul is the captain of Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Super League from 2022 to 2024, leading them to the playoffs in the first two seasons but falling short in the final campaign. Rishabh Pant will now take over as the fourth captain of the Lucknow-based side, after Krunal Pandya, KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran.
I always think about that – Rishabh Pant
Hesitation to leave chat Rishabh Bhai 🤯
Iykyk which he was referring to here pic.twitter.com/fbzExQuU1R– Spider-Man Pant (@cricwithpant) January 20, 2025
Speaking after announcing his appointment as LSG captain, Pant stressed that his primary focus is on contributing to the team. He made it clear that his mindset is about how to improve and perform, rather than worrying about leadership.
“I'm a captain or I'm not a captain. I don't think my focus is just on my personal performance, how I should bowl. I always think about that,” Pant said.
Rishabh Pant is one of the most experienced cricketers in the Indian Premier League, having played 111 matches and scoring 3284 runs at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93. As the new captain of LSG, he will collaborate with coach Justin Langer and mentor Zaheer Khan as part of the team's leadership group.
After missing the entire 2023 IPL season due to injuries from a car accident, Pant made a strong comeback in 2024, scoring 446 runs at an average of over 40 and a strike rate of 155.40 in 13 matches. Despite his impressive individual performances, the Delhi Capitals (DC) failed to qualify for the playoffs that year.
Lucknow Super Giants are yet to win the IPL title
Lucknow Super Giants are yet to win an IPL title, having competed in three seasons since their debut in 2022. They have reached the playoffs in their first two seasons. However, they were unable to capture the title in either year. The team missed the playoffs last season and finished seventh.
LSG will look to bounce back with Pant now leading the team. Pant, who holds a captain's record of 43 matches, 23 wins and a winning percentage of 53.48, will face high expectations for success. Given the heavy investment the franchise has made in him, it will be interesting to see how Pant handles his new leadership role.
