Lucknow Super Giants Coach Optimistic About Rishabh Pant's Comeback in IPL 2026
Langer's Confidence in Pant Ahead of IPL Opener
As the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) gear up for their opening match against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Lucknow, head coach Justin Langer has shared his positive outlook on captain Rishabh Pant. Langer believes this season could mark a turning point for Pant, especially after a challenging 2025 IPL campaign.
Pant, who holds the record for being the most expensive player in IPL history with a price tag of ₹27 crore, faces significant competition this season. He is vying for a spot in India's white-ball teams against notable players like KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson.
Langer Discusses Pant's Competitive Spirit
During a pre-match press conference, Langer remarked, "Rishabh Pant is in great form. He is energetic, competitive, and aggressive. His performance against RCB last year was exceptional. However, he understands the competition within the Indian team, especially after their recent World Cup victory. Being an Indian selector or coach means managing multiple international teams."
He added, "Every player, from seasoned professionals like Pant to newcomers like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, is striving for selection. This competitive environment is beneficial, as it helps players excel. Pant is surrounded by a strong support system that encourages him to perform at his best."
Pant's International Performance Overview
Rishabh Pant has made significant contributions in Test matches, delivering crucial innings. However, his T20I statistics show he has accumulated only 1,209 runs in 66 innings, averaging 23.25 with a strike rate of 127.26, including three half-centuries. In ODIs, he has scored 871 runs across 31 matches, averaging 33.50 with a strike rate of 106.21, featuring one century and five fifties. His last ODI appearance was against Sri Lanka in August 2024, where he managed just six runs.
Pant's Quest for Redemption After a Disappointing 2025 Season
The left-handed batsman, who rose to fame during his explosive IPL seasons in 2017 and 2018 with Delhi Capitals, is determined to capitalize on his recent fitness training with cricket legend Yuvraj Singh. After a disappointing 2025 season where he scored only 269 runs, with 118* coming against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final league match, Pant is eager to prove himself this year.
Langer on Embracing Pressure
Langer, a former Australian opener, shared insights on handling pressure, stating that he has thrived under it throughout his career. He expressed, "Pressure is a constant in every season. I've dealt with it for 30 years, whether batting or coaching. I embrace it, and it should be part of the game."
He concluded, "As the head coach, I welcome the pressure that comes with leadership. My experience over the years has been largely successful, and I hope my track record as both a player and a coach reflects that."