Will Rishabh Pant be dropped as captain? LSG to reveal plans after IPL 2026

LSG board Tom Moody dropped significantly for captaincy (Image: X) Lucknow Super Giants are likely to undergo a major overhaul after a disappointing IPL 2026 season, with global director of cricket Tom Moody admitting that the franchise has fallen short of expectations and hinting that serious management discussions are underway. LSG endured one of their worst campaigns in franchise history, winning just four games all season and finishing in the bottom two of the points table despite entering the tournament with high expectations.After the defeat to Punjab Kings, Moody admitted that skipper Rishabh Pant was struggling to cope with the pressure of management, while the poor results may have also affected his batting performances.“From a captain’s point of view, you know, he found it challenging, of course, and the results reflect that, and you have to wonder if that’s the pressure that’s reflected in his performance with the bat. I know this season has been difficult for us, but we’re going to think about it, we’re going to take time, we’re going to think about it. We’re going to consider all things,” Moody said at Punksja’s (PBKS King) press conference after the loss.“But we certainly didn’t live up to the expectations or the standard that we expect of ourselves. And as far as running the franchise, it’s certainly something that we’re going to look at very seriously, you know, going forward. Like any department, when you think about the season, we’re going to make some thoughtful decisions, but it definitely looks like we need a reset,” he added. Pant’s individual performances with the bat also came under scrutiny during his time with LSG. Once regarded as one of the most explosive batsmen in the IPL, highlighted by his sensational 2018 season of 684 runs at 173.60 and an impressive 2019 campaign with 488 runs at 162.66, Pant has looked to replicate those standards in Lucknow colours. In two seasons for LSG, Pant managed 581 runs at a strike rate of 135.74, with both his average and strike rate falling below his overall IPL career figures.

LSG IPL 2026 Campaign

Match DateOpponentVenueMatch Result1 Apr 1Delhi CapitalsLuck lost by 6 wickets24 Apr 5 Apr 15Royal Challengers BengaluruBengaluruLost by 5 wickets6 Apr 19Punjab KingsMullanpurLost by 54 runs7 Apr 22Rajasthan RoyalsLucknowLost by 40 runs8 Apr 26Kolkata Knight RidersLucknowLost by Superum6umbaiMost 4 wickets10May 7Royal Challengers BengaluruLucknowWon by 9 runs (DLS)11 May 10Chennai Super KingsChennaiLost by 5 wickets12May 15Chennai Super KingsLucknowWon by 7 wickets13 May 19 MayRajasthan 2 RoyalsJaun KingsLucknowLost by 7 wickets