Just Let Him Bat: Why Former Players Want Pant to Drop the LSG Armband
A few seasons ago, Rishabh Pant was being talked about as a future India captain. This IPL season, he is being asked to give up the LSG armband — by former players and, reportedly, by the franchise's leadership itself.
What Just Happened
Lucknow Super Giants were officially eliminated from IPL 2026 playoff contention after a seven-wicket loss to Punjab Kings on May 23, according to Outlook India and Heavy.com. LSG entered the closing rounds in the bottom half of the 10-team points table.
LSG's global director of cricket Tom Moody, addressing media after the result, said that when the team reflects on the season, they will be "making some considered decisions" and that "it certainly looks like we're needing to consider a reset," according to India TV. That single quote — interpreted in cricketing circles as a clear hint about captaincy — set off the public debate.
What Is Happening to Pant in Numbers
According to ESPNcricinfo and IPL official data, plus reporting by India Today and Yahoo Sports: Pant was retained by LSG at Rs 27 crore, the highest-ever IPL price tag. He had a tough IPL 2026 campaign, scoring around 250 runs across his innings — his lowest output for LSG. He was fined Rs 12 lakh after LSG were found guilty of a slow over-rate against Chennai Super Kings. He has been removed as India's Test vice-captain, with KL Rahul named in that role for the one-off Test against Afghanistan. He has been dropped from the ODI squad for the same series.
What Former Players Are Saying
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer, quoted by Yardbarker and CricToday, said: "A player like Rishabh Pant should play purely as a batter. 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. Don't burden him with captaincy." Jaffer also suggested South African Aiden Markram as a "better captain" for LSG. Former South African pacer Dale Steyn has also publicly questioned LSG's team-building approach. These are individual former players' views, not established fact.
The Case for Keeping Pant
Pant's defenders point to a near-fatal car accident in December 2022 that kept him out of cricket for nearly 15 months; a remarkable Test comeback that included match-winning innings in England and Australia; his reputation as one of India's most fearless red-ball match-winners; and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar's public statement that there are "no concerns" about Pant's place in the Test setup. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif had earlier called Pant a future India Test captain.
So What Changed?
Three likely factors: Workload — captaincy of a struggling franchise, wicketkeeping, batting under pressure, three formats — a heavy combined load. Form — white-ball numbers have dropped; Test cricket allows him patience but T20 captaincy does not. Team construction — LSG's roster issues are not all Pant's fault, but as captain he carries public blame.
FAQ
Q1. Has Pant been removed as LSG captain? No formal decision has been announced. LSG's leadership has only said a "reset" is being considered.
Q2. Is Pant still in the India Test team? Yes. He has lost the vice-captaincy to KL Rahul but remains in the Test squad.
Q3. Is Pant in the India ODI squad? He has been dropped from the ODI squad for the Afghanistan series.
What Happens Next
Off-season: LSG management is expected to take a "considered" call on captaincy before IPL 2027. Coming months: Pant continues in the Test setup, with upcoming red-ball assignments. Open question: Whether the ODI door reopens for him in the lead-up to ICC events.
Sources
ESPNcricinfo, IPL official site, Outlook India, Heavy.com, India TV, Yardbarker, CricToday, Yahoo Sports, MSN India.
Bottom line: The harshest verdict on Rishabh Pant is also the kindest. Let him bat. Let him keep. Let someone else carry the captaincy weight for a while.
Last updated: May 24, 2026 — 3:00 p.m. IST