Rishabh Pant, the highest-paid star in IPL history, has been appointed as the new captain of Lucknow Super Giants, filling in the shoes of KL Rahul. During an interaction on Star Sports, Pant expressed his gratitude towards the LSG family for showing faith in him and vowed to give his 200% to repay their trust. The wicket-keeper batter also revealed a tense moment during the IPL 2025 mega auction when he was relieved to join LSG instead of Punjab Kings. With his experience working with Ricky Ponting, Pant says his ideology of captaining a side remains the same as he takes on this new role.
Rishabh Pant's Journey to Captaincy: From Punjab Kings to Lucknow Super Giants
Rishabh Pant, the enigmatic Indian wicket-keeper batter, has made a remarkable ascent within the Indian Premier League (IPL) ecosystem. After establishing himself as a dynamic player for the Delhi Capitals, Pant has now taken on the mantle of captaincy for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
A Twist of Fate at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction
During the recent IPL 2025 mega auction, Pant's fate took an unexpected turn. Initially, many believed that he would be snapped up by the Punjab Kings (PBKS), who had expressed keen interest in securing his services. However, to the surprise of many, LSG emerged as the frontrunners and successfully acquired the star player for a record fee.
Pant's Relief at Joining LSG
Reflecting on the auction, Pant revealed that he felt a sense of relief when LSG emerged as the winning bidders. "I was really nervous during the auction," Pant said in an interview with Star Sports. "I had a feeling that Punjab might bid for me, but I was really happy when LSG showed their faith in me."
Ideological Alignment with Ricky Ponting
Pant has had the privilege of working closely with legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting during his time with the Delhi Capitals. Pant credits Ponting for shaping his understanding of captaincy and believes that his own ideology remains aligned with Ponting's. "My approach to captaincy is similar to what I have learned from Ricky Ponting," Pant said. "It's all about creating a positive and inclusive environment where every player feels valued."
Top 5 FAQs Related to Pant's Captaincy
1. Why did Pant leave the Punjab Kings?
Pant was never officially part of the Punjab Kings. He was initially considered a potential target for the franchise but eventually joined the Lucknow Super Giants at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
2. How much did LSG pay for Pant?
The Lucknow Super Giants acquired Rishabh Pant for a record fee of INR 20 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
3. Who was the captain of LSG before Pant?
KL Rahul was the inaugural captain of the Lucknow Super Giants. However, he relinquished the role ahead of the IPL 2025 season, paving the way for Pant's appointment.
4. What are Pant's goals as LSG captain?
Pant has expressed his ambition to lead LSG to its first IPL championship title and establish the team as a force to be reckoned with in the league.
5. How has Pant's experience with Ricky Ponting influenced his captaincy style?
Pant believes that his experience working with Ponting has helped him develop a clear understanding of leadership and team management. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive environment for players to thrive.
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