IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant will demolish MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma's legacy to become best-ever IPL captain, claims LSG owner

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has high expectations for Rishabh Pant, who has been officially announced as the team's captain for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Sanjiv Goenka stated that Rishabh Pant has the potential to become the best captain India's T20 tournament has ever seen.

On Monday, January 20, Goenka, along with Pant, held a special chat in Kolkata. The Super Giants broke the bank to acquire the left-handed batter's services for the upcoming and future seasons. Pant, who became the most expensive player in IPL history, was acquired by LSG for a whopping Rs 27 crore.

Rishabh Pant Can Win At Least 5-6 IPL Titles - Sanjiv Goenka

Sanjiv Goenka wants Rishabh Pant to lead the team to greatness both as a player and a captain. Goenka predicted that Pant will win at least 5-6 IPL titles over the next 10-15 years, positioning him alongside cricket legends like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as one of the tournament’s greatest captains.

“He will play 10-15 years. During that time, he can win at least 5-6 IPL titles. People will say, ‘Mahi, Rohit, Rishabh’," said Goenka.

Pant was released by Delhi Capitals after the 2024 IPL season, ending a nine-year association with the franchise. Pant has leadership experience with both Delhi Capitals and on the international stage. He becomes the fourth player to take on this role for LSG, following Krunal Pandya, KL Rahul, and Nicholas Pooran.

We Had Kept a Budget of Rs 27 Crore for Rishabh Pant - Sanjiv Goenka

Goenka revealed that the Lucknow Super Giants were determined to acquire Pant during the IPL 2025 auction. They had allocated a budget of Rs 27 crore for him and were adamant about securing his services.

“We had kept a budget of Rs 27 crore for Rishabh Pant. We were adamant about getting him (during the IPL auction)," Goenka revealed.

The Super Giants are still in search of their first IPL title since their debut in 2022. They failed to reach the final despite advancing to the playoffs in the first two seasons. The Lucknow-based franchise finished seventh and missed the playoffs in 2024 and will be hoping to win their first-ever title in 2025.

He Will Probably Be The Best Captain IPL Has Seen - Sanjiv Goenka

Sanjiv Goenka wants Pant to become the greatest player in IPL history. Goenka praised Pant for his relaxed yet passionate leadership style and expressed confidence that he could become the best captain the IPL has ever seen.

“Rishabh Pant isn’t just going to be the best player of LSG but of IPL itself. Never seen someone with so much passion. He’s the boy next door; his connection with the players, teams, and thought process is different. Conventional thought processes lack uniqueness," Goenka shared.

“I see him as a leader. He will probably be the best captain IPL has seen," he added.

The LSG owner emphasized the importance of building mutual trust within the team. He acknowledged that Pant may be familiar with some players and not others. Goenka noted that winning is the ultimate goal, but both victories and losses are part of the journey.

“Rishabh Pant knows a few players, doesn’t know others. We have to create a platform where there’s mutual trust. End of the day, you want to win. You won’t win every game—losing and winning are part and parcel. You learn to take defeat with victory," Goenka said.

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