Despite a disappointing start for Lucknow Super Giants, Sanjiv Goenka reaffirms faith in captain Rishabh Pant, calling him a “great leader” with his best still to come.
April 4, 2025: As criticism mounts over Rishabh Pant’s poor form in the ongoing IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants’ team owner Sanjiv Goenka has come out in strong support of his under-fire captain. In a candid statement ahead of LSG’s clash against Mumbai Indians, Goenka said he had “no hesitation” in backing Pant and revealed that the team was built around him from the start.
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“The moment we knew he (Rishabh) was not being retained, we planned the team around him. I’ve said this before, and I have no hesitation in saying it again: I believe he’s a great leader. His best leadership is yet to come,” Goenka said.
💬 A Rough Start for Rishabh Pant
Pant’s return to the IPL hasn’t been ideal — both with the bat and as captain. Under his leadership, LSG have lost 2 of their 3 matches, and his own performances have lacked firepower. The pressure mounted further after a viral video of Goenka’s animated conversation with Pant during a match led to speculation about friction.
However, Goenka clarified that the franchise’s vision remains unchanged:
“If it had meant 28 [crores], that would have been the number,” he added, emphasizing Pant’s value to the team.
🔥 Nicholas Pooran the Lone Bright Spot
While Pant has struggled, Nicholas Pooran has emerged as LSG’s batting hero, leading the tournament’s run-scoring charts with 189 runs in three matches. His scores of 75, 70, and 44 have kept the franchise competitive.
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🔍 Bowling Woes & Akashdeep’s Return
On the bowling front, only Shardul Thakur has impressed with a four-wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The rest of the attack has failed to make a major impact.
However, LSG fans can breathe a sigh of relief with the likely return of Akashdeep, the pacer recovering from a back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in December 2024. He is expected to be fit for Friday’s match against Mumbai Indians, marking his debut for LSG after playing for RCB in IPL 2024.
With pressure mounting and Mumbai Indians next on the calendar, Pant will need to find form quickly — but for now, he still has the unwavering support of his franchise.
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Rishabh Pant, Sanjiv Goenka, LSG, IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants, Nicholas Pooran, Akashdeep, IPL captaincy, Indian Premier League, LSG vs MI