Kolkata: Dynamic keeper-batter Rishabh Pant was on Monday named the captain of Lucknow Super Giants for the upcoming IPL and he vowed to give his “200 percent” to win the team’s maiden title.
Pant was picked at the mega auction for an IPL record Rs 27 crore by the franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka.
“I will give my 200 percent. That’s my commitment to you. I will try whatever is there in my power to repay the faith. I am really excited and looking forward to new beginning and new energy. And have a blast out there with lot of fun,” Pant told mediapersons after being unveiled as the new skipper.
Given his stature and investment, it seemed inevitable that Pant would take on the leadership role. Although Pant’s IPL 2024 campaign with the Delhi Capitals was underwhelming – finishing sixth in the standings –Lucknow Super Giants, who placed just below at seventh, are banking on the 27-year-old to steer them to a breakthrough season.
“I think Rishabh Pant is going to finish as one of the best IPL captains ever. In 10-12 years, you would hear his name associated with MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma,” Goenka said.
Rishabh Pant looks for a fresh start
Pant takes over as captain from K L Rahul, bringing a renewed sense of energy and purpose to the Lucknow Super Giants. Determined to make a strong comeback, Pant has much to prove after enduring a challenging period. He missed a significant portion of action, recovering in 2023 from a near-fatal car accident and struggled in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, managing less than 200 runs in 10 innings with only one half-century. Of course, Pant would have the white-ball series against England and the Champions Trophy to have a crack and finding form before the start of the IPL.
On Day 1 of the auction, LSG strengthened its squad with seven new players, including several promising domestic talents. Pant will lead a star-studded lineup featuring high-profile acquisitions such as Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, Aiden Markram, and Mitchell Marsh.
Since making his IPL debut in 2016, Pant has scored 3,284 runs in 111 matches. His standout season came in 2018, when he scored an impressive 684 runs, including a career-best unbeaten 128 against the Mumbai Indians. Additionally, Pant has recorded three seasons with over 400 runs, showcasing his consistency as a top performer.
