IPL 2026: Rishabh Pant told to give up LSG captaincy, Ex-India cricketer names replacement
Rishabh Pant’s struggles as Lucknow Super Giants captain continued after a fifth straight loss, with poor home results and 14 defeats in 22 games. Former Indian player Wasim Jaffer suggested appointing Aiden Markram as captain, saying leadership pressure is affecting Pant’s batting and that he should focus solely on playing.
NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant’s struggles as captain of Lucknow Super Giants continued after another tough loss, this time against Kolkata Knight Riders in a Super Over. LSG failed to chase 156, adding to a worrying run of five straight defeats this season. Their home record is even worse, with eight consecutive losses under Pant’s leadership since last year.
LSG have lost 14 of their last 22 matches under Pant. Former India batter Wasim Jaffer believes a change in leadership could help the team turn things around. He suggested that Aiden Markram should take over as captain and even laid out a preferred batting order for the side.
Pant’s captaincy struggles have also reflected in his batting. Since last season, he has scored just 458 runs in 21 innings, with only three half-centuries. Even in the latest match, his 42 wasn’t enough to guide the team home.
Jaffer feels Pant’s natural attacking game is being affected by the added responsibility. “I feel a player like Rishabh Pant should play purely as a player. You get the best out of him when you free him up and tell him to just go out and play and win matches on his own.