Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka said the franchise has no intention of releasing Rishabh Pant from the squad.
The decision comes amid intense scrutiny over Pant's value to the team following a disappointing performance during the IPL 2025 season. Because Pant commands a significant portion of the team's budget, his inability to produce high scores has sparked a debate over the franchise's long-term strategy.
Critics and cricket pundits, including Rohan Gavaskar and Manoj Tiwary, have argued that LSG should reconsider Pant's role as captain. Some analysts suggest the team is losing him as a batter and that he should be released before the IPL 2027 season to allow for a leadership change.
The financial stakes are high for the Lucknow-based franchise. LSG paid Rs 27 crore [1] for Pant, making him one of the most expensive players in the league. However, his output on the field did not match the investment during the 2025 campaign.
According to performance data, Pant scored 269 runs [2] across 14 matches [3] in IPL 2025. This low run tally, combined with struggles in captaincy, has led some to question if the high price tag is still justifiable.
Despite the pressure from pundits, the franchise leadership remains supportive. Goenka said the team is not looking to move away from Pant at this time, a stance that contradicts the recommendations of several sports analysts who believe a change in leadership is necessary for the team's growth.
“LSG paid Rs 27 crore for Pant, making him one of the most expensive players in the league.”
The tension between LSG's management and external analysts highlights the risk of high-value acquisitions in the IPL. By retaining Pant despite a poor statistical season, Goenka is betting on the player's potential for a comeback and his long-term leadership value over immediate numerical output.
