KL Rahul has left a curse for Rishabh Pant at LSG!! Indian wicketkeeper cautioned

Rishabh Pant emerged as the costliest player in IPL history after the mega auction, and now the spotlight is firmly on the Indian wicketkeeper, as he will possibly have the most demanding role of his IPL career—captaining the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2025.

After splashing a staggering INR 27 crore to sign Rishabh Pant at the IPL 2025 mega auction, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is likely to hand over the captaincy to the Indian wicketkeeper-batter ahead of the next season after parting ways with KL Rahul.

Mohammad Kaif says Rishabh Pant will face IPL’s biggest challenge with LSG

KL Rahul led the Lucknow Super Giants to the playoffs twice in three seasons since their debut in the IPL. Despite his consistent performances and leadership that secured back-to-back top-four finishes in 2022 and 2023, KL Rahul was shown the door, showing the franchise's hunger for the title glory.

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The playoffs are no longer enough, and Lucknow Super Giants owners are clearly aiming for the IPL trophy, and the expectations from Pant couldn’t be higher than ever. It is being said that the left-handed batter is all set to be named LSG captain in the next couple of weeks.

Rishabh Pant is known for his fearless approach and stunning performances and will have the task to take LSG beyond the Eliminator stage—a hurdle they failed to overcome twice under Rahul’s tenure, and he was shown the door. Adding to the pressure, the franchise endured a disappointing IPL 2024, finishing seventh, their lowest season finish to date.

Pressure mounts on Rishabh Pant after Lucknow Super Giants' INR 27 crore gamble

With LSG’s decision to overhaul its leadership, the franchise has made it clear that mediocrity won’t be tolerated.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif said that Pant will need to prove he is the key to change, and for which, he has to take LSG to the finals and ultimately, the championship.

After the mega auction, the former Indian batter said that Rishabh Pant will be immense under pressure to deliver as a captain if he is made the LSG captain. Kaif mentioned that Lucknow spent huge money on Pant, so he will have to prove his worth by taking the side to the IPL 2025 finals.

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Rishabh Pant has a point to prove that he can take LSG into the finals: Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaid said on Star Sports: “Rishabh Pant will have to put in a lot of hard work because Lucknow comes in the top four. KL Rahul was taking them to the top four always, but he was still removed. Whatever might have been the talk between them, that they were not getting along, they wanted the team in the final as it's been three years, so he was asked to go.”

He further noted, “So, they took Pant. There is a lot of pressure on Pant because he has to take the team to the top. It won't work out just by taking the team into the top four. They were already coming in the top four repeatedly. He has been picked for a lot of money. Rishabh Pant has a point to prove that he can take the team into the top two as a leader.”

On the other hand, KL Rahul seems to be enjoying his Delhi Capitals (DC) partnership, as he posted a story on his Instagram, showing his football skills while tagging the franchise co-owner Parth Jindal.

Fancy a loan move, @klrahul ? 🔥

Sent you a fax, @delhicapitals. 📠
We’ll have him back before the #IPL! 😉#WeAreBFC pic.twitter.com/gbXqouk0VU

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) November 28, 2024