Rishabh Pant steps down as Lucknow Super Giants Captain after disastrous IPL 2026

Rishabh Pant has decided to step down as Lucknow Super Giants captain, as the franchise confirmed on Friday (May 29).

In a significant development, star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant requested to be relieved of his captaincy duties, with the team management accepting the decision with immediate effect.

The official announcement from LSG highlighted Pant’s proactive step amid the franchise’s ongoing rebuilding phase following a challenging IPL 2026 season.

“Rishabh approached the franchise 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," a statement from LSG director Tom Moody said.

Pant, who joined LSG as the most expensive player in IPL history during the 2025 mega auction for a record ₹27 crore, had been appointed captain with high expectations. However, the team struggled in back-to-back seasons under his leadership, finishing in the lower half of the standings and failing to qualify for the playoffs. In the IPL 2026 season, LSG finished at the bottom of the table, thus further compounding the problems.

The move comes as part of a broader reset for the franchise. Discussions are now underway regarding LSG’s next captain as the franchise gears up for future auctions and squad restructuring.