Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) set Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction "on fire" by securing Rishabh Pant for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Pant, a long-time stalwart and captain for Delhi Capitals (DC), is now at the center of discussions regarding the captaincy of LSG for the upcoming IPL 2025 season.
Speaking on the TRS Podcast, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka revealed planning behind Pant's acquisition. "There was science behind going at Rs 27 Cr for Rishabh Pant. Delhi had already bid Rs 26.5 Cr for Shreyas Iyer, so my assumption was that Parth Jindal (DC's owner) would go one up for Pant. To secure him, we decided to go two or three bids higher," Goenka explained.
"We had planned multiple scenarios where Rishabh was central to our strategy. We were prepared to spend Rs 25-27 Cr on him. When DC used their Right to Match (RTM) card at Rs 21-22 Cr, it showed how important he was to them. But when DC didn't retain him, it gave us the opportunity to bring him on board."
With KL Rahul no longer part of LSG and limited experienced captaincy options in the squad, Pant emerges as the frontrunner to lead the team. His previous captaincy stint with Delhi Capitals makes him a natural choice for leadership role.
Goenka hinted at Pant's crucial role at LSG, stating, "We needed an Indian anchor to build our team around. If we hadn't secured Pant, we would have missed out on that crucial element. His presence not only strengthens the squad but also aligns with our long-term vision."
Fans eagerly await the official announcement of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captaincy for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, which could mark a new chapter for the franchise as they aim to make a strong impact in the upcoming season.