Rishabh Pant stepped down as Lucknow Super Giants captain after the team finished last in the IPL 2026 standings, winning only four of ten matches.
The franchise confirmed that Pant himself requested to relinquish the role, and management accepted his decision immediately.
Pant joined LSG before the 2025 season for a record ₹27 crore but failed to deliver consistent results. His batting form improved slightly this year, scoring 312 runs in 14 matches at an average of 33.61 and a strike rate of 146.79, yet the team’s overall performance remained below expectations.
LSG, coached by Justin Langer, announced that Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh are leading contenders to take over the captaincy. The franchise said its focus now lies on “rebuilding and restructuring to reach the best standards.”
Director of Cricket Tom Moody earlier hinted at a leadership reset after the team’s loss to Punjab Kings, noting that Pant found captaincy challenging and the results reflected that.
Pant’s tenure also saw speculation about dressing-room dynamics, with reports suggesting too many voices in the coaching setup. His decision to step down marks a turning point for the franchise as it seeks stability and renewed direction ahead of IPL 2027.
