IPL 2026: Rishabh Pant’s retention confirmed despite LSG’s disappointing campaign

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has virtually confirmed that Rishabh Pant will continue to lead the franchise despite their underwhelming performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.

The announcement came through Goenka’s official X handle just days before the IPL 2026 retention deadline.

Pant, 28, made headlines during the IPL 2025 auction after parting ways with Delhi Capitals (DC). He became the most sought-after player, sparking a fierce bidding war among franchises. Eventually, Lucknow Super Giants secured his signature for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore — the highest price tag in IPL history.

However, the high-profile signing didn’t go as planned for LSG. Pant endured a poor season with both bat and leadership, managing only 269 runs in 14 games at an average of 24.45 and a strike rate of 133.16. Notably, 118* of those runs came in the team’s final league match — a brilliant individual effort that still couldn’t change their fortunes.

Under Pant’s captaincy, Lucknow Super Giants finished seventh on the points table, with six wins, twelve points, and a Net Run Rate of -0.376.

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Despite the team’s struggles, Goenka’s latest post suggests that LSG remains committed to Pant. On Thursday, he shared a photo featuring LSG’s top leadership group — Global Director of Cricket Tom Moody, head coach Justin Langer, bowling coach Bharat Arun, captain Rishabh Pant, and other officials — in what appeared to be a planning session for IPL 2026.

“IPL retention talks for @LucknowIPL are underway. Delighted to have @TomMoodyCricket on board, bringing immense experience and strategic insight. Great discussion with @RishabhPant17, Justin Langer, and Bharat Arun as we plan for the season ahead. #LSG” Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) tweeted.

Pant’s presence in the meeting has effectively confirmed that the franchise is backing him to lead the team into the next season.