Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of the Lucknow Super Giants, showcased a bold and strategic approach during the 2025 IPL auction by securing Rishabh Pant for a whopping ₹27 crore. Seeing Pant as a cornerstone for the franchise’s future, Goenka emphasized building a strong core around the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, known for his match-winning abilities and leadership potential. Pant’s immense popularity adds significant brand value, enhancing the team’s marketability.
Speaking at the event, Sanjiv Goenka, the team owner, expressed confidence in Pant’s ability to lead the side to new heights, highlighting his youthful energy, tactical acumen, and ability to inspire the team both on and off the field. He also praised him as one of the best captains in IPL history for his mindset and thinking.
Rishabh Pant was rumored to be a part of various franchises like Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, or Punjab Kings, but he ended up joining the Lucknow Super Giants. On getting asked about the rumours around the IPL auction, Rishabh Pant gave a humorous reply, which surprised everyone.
Pant stated, “I only had one tension, that was Punjab (laughs). They had the highest purse. When Shreyas went to Punjab, I felt I could make it to LSG. There was a possibility. But eventually, with auction you never know, so I just thought I would wait and watch, and had my fingers crossed.”
Rishabh Pant set to lead LSG in IPL 2025
The Indian wicketkeeper was released by his former franchise, the Delhi Capitals, before the 2025 IPL mega auction in Saudi Arabia. This was an unexpected move by the franchise, as no one expected their association to end this way. Lucknow Super Giants capitalized on this opportunity and acquired the talented cricketer for a record-breaking price of Rs. 27 crore.
In a media event today, Rishabh Pant has been officially announced as the new captain of the Lucknow-based franchise, Lucknow Super Giants. The decision underscores the franchise’s commitment to a dynamic and forward-thinking approach, with Pant’s aggressive leadership style and proven match-winning abilities aligning perfectly with their vision.
