Rishabh Pant's Crucial Role as Lucknow Super Giants Captain in IPL 2025

As the IPL 2025 season approaches, Rishabh Pant's role as captain of the Lucknow Super Giants becomes increasingly critical. With a record investment of Rs 27 crore, Pant is set to bat at number three, a position deemed essential for his performance and future in T20 cricket. Following a disappointing previous season, he faces immense pressure to deliver results and secure his spot in the national team. With a revamped batting order and a focus on optimizing team performance, this season could define Pant's career trajectory. Discover how he plans to navigate the challenges ahead and what it means for the Super Giants.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 22, 2026, 12:55 IST

Rishabh Pant's Strategic Positioning for IPL 2025

As the IPL season approaches, Lucknow Super Giants' captain Rishabh Pant is preparing to bat at the pivotal number three position, starting March 28. This season is particularly significant for Pant, who is entering his second year as the team's skipper after the franchise invested a record-breaking Rs 27 crore during the 2025 mega auction.

After a disappointing previous season, Pant's performance as both a leader and a top-order batsman could secure his place in India's T20 squad moving forward. Currently, he is a key player in the Indian Test team and serves as a backup wicketkeeper for K L Rahul in ODIs.

At 28, Pant lost his spot in the T20 lineup following India's World Cup victory in 2024. To reclaim his position, he must deliver exceptional performances, especially with competitors like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan solidifying their spots through impressive displays.

Thus, this IPL season is not only about justifying his hefty price tag but also about maintaining his relevance in the T20 format.

Last season, Pant primarily batted at number four but shifted to number three towards the end, a change that came too late to alter LSG's trajectory. Nicholas Pooran will now bat lower in the order to accommodate Pant, with positions four, five, and six being flexible based on match situations.

The team recently held a training camp in Chennai and is currently practicing at their home ground in Lucknow, gearing up for their opening match against Delhi Capitals on April 1.

The coaching staff, led by Justin Langer, is aligned with Pant regarding his batting order. An IPL insider mentioned, "The management and Pant agree that his skills are best utilized at number three. The top order is set with Aiden, Marsh, and Pant, while the middle order will adapt according to the game situation."

Pant's performance last season was marked by a modest strike rate of 133.17, with a significant portion of his 269 runs coming from a single innings where he scored 118 not out.

The LSG middle order features players like Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, and Shabaz Ahmed. However, the bowling department was a weak point last season, with injuries sidelining key pacers like Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan. Avesh Khan and Anrich Nortje, who is also injury-prone, were among the other pace options.

An insider noted, "The batting lineup is stable, and the bowling unit appears stronger than last year, although combinations still need to be finalized. Mayank is fit but needs more practice in the nets. We hope he can justify the trust the team has placed in him over the past few years."

Former South African captain Faf du Plessis highlighted Pant as the player facing the most pressure this IPL season. He stated, "Rishabh Pant is likely the most pressured player in the IPL this year. Some players thrive under the weight of their price tags, while others falter. Last season was particularly challenging for him, both personally and for the team."

Du Plessis added, "With a batting-heavy lineup, the team must find ways to optimize their bowling. If Pant can score runs as captain, it alleviates some pressure. However, both his individual performance and the team's overall success are crucial, and last year, both aspects fell short."