Rishabh Pant Didn't Quit, He Was Removed as LSG Captain After IPL 2026 Failure: Report

Rishabh Pant could be heading back to familiar territory ahead of IPL 2027, with reports suggesting the star wicketkeeper-batter is on the verge of a sensational return to Delhi Capitals. The move is expected to involve a player trade with Lucknow Super Giants, with Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav reportedly moving in the opposite direction.

According to a report by CricBlogger, Pant's departure from Lucknow Super Giants was not entirely voluntary as initially perceived. While LSG maintained that Pant stepped down as captain after a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, the report claims the franchise management relieved him of the leadership role shortly after the season ended.

As quoted by Cricblogger, a source said: "Questions are being raised over the haste with which Pant was removed as captain immediately after the IPL season. At the same time, Pant too appeared keen to secure a move elsewhere rather than continue with a franchise where he no longer felt valued."

The development sheds new light on what was previously viewed as a mutual separation between Pant and the Lucknow franchise.

Pant Reportedly Sought Return to Delhi Capitals

Sources cited in the report claim Pant began exploring options with other franchises soon after learning that he would no longer continue as captain.

Among the teams contacted, Delhi Capitals quickly emerged as the preferred destination. Pant spent the first eight years of his IPL career with Delhi, evolving from a teenage prodigy into one of India's premier wicketkeeper-batters and eventually captaining the franchise.

The report suggests Pant's desire to return was driven more by emotional ties than financial considerations. Despite the prospect of a significant pay cut compared to his lucrative LSG contract, the left-hander was reportedly willing to compromise financially to reunite with the franchise that played a pivotal role in shaping his IPL journey.

Earlier this month, in a social media post LSG confirmed that the wicketkeeper-batter from Delhi has decided to step down as the captain of the franchise. In the official post, team's Director of Cricket Tom Moody stated the franchise "respectfully accepted" the decision with immediate effect to allow the team to reset.

Delhi Capitals Ownership Groups Worked on Deal

Ahead of the IPL mega auction, Delhi Capitals were reluctant to part ways with Pant. The report states that the GMR Group explored multiple possibilities to retain him within the setup.

However, with discussions intensifying over a potential return, the JSW Sports faction of the ownership group reportedly played a key role in facilitating negotiations and creating a pathway for Pant's comeback.

The proposed trade involving Kuldeep Yadav appears to offer a solution for both franchises. While Delhi would regain an experienced leader and marquee player, LSG could strengthen their spin department with one of India's leading white-ball bowlers.

LSG's Disappointing Season and Pant's Future

Lucknow Super Giants endured a difficult IPL 2026 season, finishing well below expectations despite assembling a star-studded squad. Sources quoted in the report claim the franchise management held Pant largely responsible for the campaign's failure.

According to those familiar with the developments, Pant faced greater scrutiny than any other player or member of the support staff, eventually becoming the focal point of criticism following the disappointing season.

The speed with which both parties reportedly moved towards a separation has only fueled speculation that the relationship had deteriorated significantly behind the scenes.