Captain Rishabh Pant is under threat as LSG consider a reset after IPL 2026

Lucknow Super Giants director of cricket Tom Moody has hinted that the franchise will look to assess its options, including the captaincy of Rishabh Pant, after the side’s defeat against the Punjab Kings on Saturday ensured they would finish bottom of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) points table.

The franchise has been in the limelight for both right and wrong reasons, but Rishabh Pant’s captaincy has been one of their biggest disappointments this year. The keeper-batsman struggled to impress with the bat or his management despite having some talented names in the squad – be it veteran batsmen or some top uncapped talent.

After LSG’s loss at home, Moody admitted that reflection was needed for an hour, but dropped the bombshell that management was also something they would revisit and hope to rectify in the future.

LSG vs PBKS, IPL 2026: UPDATE | SCORECARD

“I know it’s been a tough season for us, but we’re going to think about it. We’re going to take our time, we’re going to weigh all the aspects and we’re going to judge things properly. We certainly didn’t live up to the expectations or the standards that we set for ourselves. As far as running the franchise, that’s something that we’re going to take very seriously in terms of what it looks like going forward,” Moody said at a press conference.

“Like any department, when you reflect on the season, we will make informed decisions. It certainly looks like we have to consider a reset,” he added.

Moody didn’t want to pin the blame on anyone just yet. But it looks like there will be some serious introspection from within to improve their fortunes for next season.

“We’re all responsible. I don’t think this is the time to point the finger at any individual. We all have to be held accountable. Like I said, this is not the time to blame any particular department. We need time to think it through, but there are certainly things that need to be addressed and they will be addressed,” Moody said.

WHAT’S NEXT TO RISHABH PANT?

The 28-year-old is past his best sporting years, but his career is not following the same trajectory. They recently fell out of it India’s white ball setup recently for the home series against Afghanistan, which could be a sign that the Indian team is also looking to advance.

The misery continued even in the test team, with Pant’s role of vice-captain was handed over to KL Rahulwho ironically was LSG’s previous captain before 2025.

In LSG, Pant has not played a role with the bat or captaincy and it will be interesting to see if the franchise decides to continue supporting him next season or move on from the Indian star.

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Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

24 May 2026 10:30 AM IST

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