'Rishabh Pant’s best leadership is yet to come': Sanjiv Goenka breaks silence on ₹27 crore gamble

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has revealed why they bought wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant during the IPL 2025 mega auction. Sanjiv Goenka stated that they began building the team around the star cricketer after he was not retained by his previous franchise, Delhi Capitals (DC).

Rishabh Pant was signed by the Lucknow Super Giants for a massive ₹27 crore after being released by the Delhi Capitals. Pant had spent his entire IPL journey with DC since making his debut in 2016 and led the franchise between 2021 and 2024, except for 2023, when he missed the season due to injury.

We Planned the Team Around Rishabh Pant - Sanjiv Goenka

Sanjiv Goenka praised Rishabh Pant for his leadership qualities. Goenka emphasized that the team would’ve gone even higher for Pant if needed, adding that his best days as a captain are yet to come. Goenka’s comments grabbed attention from fans and media alike.

"The moment we knew he was not being retained, we planned the team around him. I've said this before and I have no hesitation in saying it again. I believe he's a great leader. His best leadership is yet to come," Goenka said.

"So 27 is the number we got him at. If it meant 28, that would have been the number. We were very clear — we needed a leader who trusts and backs his instincts, who is fearless, who's destructive. And in Rishabh, we get all of that," he added.

Read More: Watch- Sanjiv Goenka has a feisty exchange with Rishabh Pant in front of the Broadcasters

Rishabh Pant Struggles for Runs in Early IPL 2025 Season

Rishabh Pant has faced criticism after a slow start to the 2025 season. He has managed just 17 runs in three games at an average of 5.66 and a strike rate of 65.38. Apart from his batting, the Super Giants are currently placed sixth on the table, having secured only one win from their opening three matches.

The Super Giants have experienced an inconsistent start to their IPL 2025 campaign. They won just one out of their three matches. The team suffered an eight-wicket defeat at home against the Punjab Kings. Mohsin Khan has been ruled out, and Mayank Yadav is still recovering and unavailable for selection.

Rishabh Pant’s Captaincy Under Scrutiny Amid Price Tag Pressure

Pant faced heavy backlash following LSG’s defeat to Delhi Capitals in their tournament opener. They were in control of the match after reducing DC to 65 for 5 while defending 210. The LSG wicketkeeper-batter overused the spinners and didn’t bring back Shardul Thakur, who had taken two early wickets.

The 27-year-old player's record as IPL captain is average — 24 wins and 21 losses in 45 matches. His leadership and batting clicked with DC, but the price tag at LSG appears to be affecting both aspects of his game. The cricketer will be hoping to regain his form both as a batter and skipper before the next match.

Lucknow Super Giants will take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in their next match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday, April 4.

Also read: 'Rishabh Pant has been a big shock': Sanjiv Goenka ordered to do something about LSG captain