 "IPL 2025: Sanjiv Goenka explains why Rishabh Pant is made LSG's captain, compares him to Dhoni, Rohit")
Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka is hopeful that Rishabh Pant will become the “best captain” in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history as the Indian wicketkeeper-batter was anointed as the franchises’ skipper on Monday.
Pant, who played for Delhi Capitals (DC) since 2016 and captained the side in 2021, 2022 and 2024, was bought by LSG in the IPL 2025 auction for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore .
Sanjiv Goenka explains why Rishabh Pant is LSG’ captain
The 27-year-old replaces KL Rahul as Lucknow captain. Rahul, who has joined DC, led LSG to playoffs in 2022 and 2023 before guiding the side to seventh finish last season.
Feeling a need for change, Goenka went big in the auction and broke the record for the most expensive player as he acquired Pant. He feels the Delhi cricketer will lead the franchise to “at least three-four IPL titles”.
“I see Rishabh as a future India captain. I see in him the kind of leadership quality that is strikingly different - there is novelty and uniqueness in both thought and action, the qualities I see in MS Dhoni or Rohit Sharma. I see at least 14-15 more years in his career during which I see at least three-four IPL titles,” he said on Monday.
Pant shares his captaincy mantra for Lucknow Super Giants
Talking about what would be his captaincy mantra at LSG, Pant said that he wants to build a side which will have a “never-say-die attitude” at the centre of its philosophy.
“The team’s philosophy will revolve around a never-say-die attitude. Regardless of the match situation, we will always try to win and see how the match progresses. That will be the mindset,” Pant explained.
On the personal front, Pant said he would want to have “constant” communication with his players and make them feel wanted.
“I will focus on ensuring that our players are comfortable with me and my communication style. I want to keep constant communication with them, as it will be a key part of my captaincy,” Pant said.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“I aim to be seen as someone who genuinely cares about the players and strives to bring out the best in them.”
IPL 2025 will reportedly start on 21 March with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) playing the opener at home while the final will take place on 25 May.
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