Rishabh Pant leaves the captaincy of Lucknow Super Giants, LSG said ‘it is never easy to take such decisions’

By Samira Vishwas On May 29, 2026

New Delhi: After continuous poor performance in IPL 2026, Rishabh Pant has left the captaincy of Lucknow Super Giants with immediate effect. LSG confirmed the decision on Friday, May 29, saying that the franchise has accepted Pant’s request.

In the IPL 2025 auction, Lucknow surprised everyone by buying Pant for Rs 27 crore. He was considered the biggest signing of the team.

Could not get playoff ticket in two seasons

Pant’s two-year tenure as captain was very disappointing. Under his captaincy the team could not reach the playoffs even once. Lucknow remained at the bottom of the points table in the IPL 2026 season.

The team could win only four out of 14 matches. Earlier, the 2025 season had also been bad, where LSG had won only six out of 14 matches. That means Pant got only 10 wins in total in 28 matches as captain.

Official announcement. pic.twitter.com/7WeOwpkDr6
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) May 29, 2026

The franchise issued an official statement

Lucknow Super Giants said in their statement, "Lucknow Super Giants would like to formally announce that Rishabh Pant has requested to be relieved of his captaincy responsibilities with the franchise, and the franchise has accepted his request with immediate effect."

Pant’s magic did not work even with the bat

Along with captaincy, Pant’s bat also remained silent during this period. In 2025, he scored only 269 runs in 14 matches. Performance improved slightly in 2026, but he could score only 312 runs in 14 matches. Considering the big name and big price, this performance is considered quite weak.

Tom Moody expressed gratitude

LSG Director of Cricket Tom Moody admitted that Pant’s decision was not easy to accept. He said that the franchise is grateful for his contribution. In the press release, Moody’s said, "Rishabh approached the franchise with this request and we have respectfully accepted it. Taking such decisions is never easy. We are grateful for everything that Rishabh brought to this dressing room as captain. Now our focus is on collective efforts. On rebuilding and reorganizing the team, so that we can reach the best standards."

After the poor results in IPL 2026, there were already signs of major changes in LSG. After Pant’s departure, now everyone’s eyes will be on the new captain. The franchise is planning to revamp the team for the coming season.