Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka has issued a remarkably fond public assessment of Rishabh Pant following the captain’s departure from the franchise after two disappointing seasons. The wicketkeeper requested relief from his leadership duties on 29 May 2026 before completing a trade back to Delhi Capitals the following month.
Record Investment Ends In Delhi Trade
Pant initially joined the Lucknow setup for a record INR 27 crore ahead of the 2025 campaign, becoming the most expensive player in tournament history at the time. Despite the heavy financial commitment, the team struggled for consistency across two campaigns and finished at the bottom of the Indian Premier League standings in 2026.
The franchise subsequently acquired wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in exchange for their departing captain, who returns to a home stadium currently hosting India’s T20I series against Afghanistan.
Owner Defends Departing Captain
Goenka avoided blaming the individual for collective franchise failures during a recent podcast appearance. The owner instead chose to highlight the batter’s personal qualities away from the pitch.
“I’m very fond of him [Rishabh Pant]. He has an innocence about him. He is almost childlike. He can come and hold you from behind with love, just like a child would. He can also come from anywhere and prank you. That’s the kind of person he is,” Goenka said on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, as quoted by Outlook India.
Pant led Lucknow in 28 matches across his two seasons in charge, securing 11 victories and suffering 17 defeats. The franchise continues its strategic management overhaul ahead of the 2027 auction cycle.
