Rishabh Pant Returns to Training After Resigning as LSG Captain
Rishabh Pant Steps Down as Captain
Rishabh Pant, the wicketkeeper-batter for Team India, has resumed training just one day after announcing his resignation as captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). This decision followed a disappointing performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
Under Pant's leadership, LSG struggled to qualify for the playoffs for the second year in a row, finishing last in the standings with only four victories out of 14 matches, resulting in eight points and a net run rate (NRR) of -0.740.
After the season, the 28-year-old expressed a desire to step down from his captaincy role, feeling it was essential to concentrate on regaining his batting form without the added pressures of leadership. His performance had suffered, as he managed only 312 runs, including one fifty, with an average of 28.30 and a strike rate of 138.05.
Pant's Return to Training
Following his resignation, Rishabh Pant quickly returned to training, aiming to improve his batting skills ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan scheduled for June 6 at Maharaja Singh PCA Stadium in Mullanpur.
Recognizing the importance of his batting form for the team's overall balance, Pant wasted no time getting back to the nets to refine his technique and rediscover his aggressive playing style. A video shared on his Instagram showed him engaged in training drills at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
During his nets session, Pant showcased some of his signature shots, hinting at the explosive batting that has made him a crucial player across formats. The video featured an inspiring narration stating: "I'm feeling like my old self again. Renewed. Charged. Refocused. With nothing to stop me from being me."
Focus on Red-Ball Cricket
Rishabh Pant's return to training signifies a pivotal shift towards prioritizing his personal performance. His immediate commitment at the BCCI CoE underscores his determination to alleviate the pressures of captaincy and reconnect with his natural game ahead of the international Test.
After stepping down from the LSG captaincy, Pant is now concentrating on red-ball cricket, which has been a significant aspect of his successful international career.
Impact on Team India
Pant's renewed focus is anticipated to significantly benefit Team India, as his return to form is crucial for the team's structure in the upcoming Test against Afghanistan.
Although this match is not part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2026-27 cycle, it serves as an important opportunity for Team India to prepare for future series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Australia, as they aim to qualify for the WTC final.
The BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has relieved Pant of his vice-captaincy in Tests to allow him to concentrate solely on his batting, free from leadership responsibilities. This change is intended to help him reclaim his status as one of the top Test players.
In his Test career, Pant has scored 3,476 runs, including eight centuries and 18 fifties, with an average of 42.91 and a strike rate of 74.24 across 49 matches.