The Indian team for the Champions Trophy 2025 has been announced, and Rishabh Pant has been selected in the squad led by Rohit Sharma. There were doubts about Pant’s selection as Sanju Samson was giving him tough competition. However, after being chosen for the Champions Trophy, good news continues for Pant. He may soon be given the big responsibility of captaincy, not for Team India, but for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL. LSG is expected to make an official announcement soon.
DDCA Reveals Rishabh Pant Rejects Captaincy
Star India cricketer Rishabh Pant has made himself available for Delhi’s upcoming Ranji Trophy clash against Saurashtra, starting January 23. The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) held its selection committee meeting on Friday, January 17, where it was revealed that Pant has declined the offer to captain the team. Instead, he has endorsed youngster Ayush Badoni to continue leading the side.
Pant Set to Become Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Captain
According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Rishabh Pant is set to be named the captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the 2025 IPL season. Pant became the most expensive player in the November 2024 mega auction when LSG bought him for ₹27 crore.
Rishabh Pant is set to be named captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of IPL 2025 after becoming the most expensive player in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
After being led by KL Rahul for their first three seasons, LSG decided to not retain him
Full story:… pic.twitter.com/lCRs7YixtO
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 18, 2025
Official Announcement Expected on January 20
Reports suggest that the official announcement of LSG’s new captain will be made on January 20. Dr Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman of the RPSG Group, will attend a special press conference in Kolkata on Monday, January 20, to reveal the captain of Lucknow Super Giants.
KL Rahul’s Departure and LSG’s 2024 Season
KL Rahul captained LSG in the first three IPL seasons, leading the team to the playoffs twice. However, the team never made it to the final. The 2024 season was disappointing, as LSG finished seventh in the points table, leading to Rahul’s departure. Rahul was bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore, but it is unlikely that he will be given the captaincy there, as Axar Patel is expected to lead DC.
DDCA President, Rohan Jaitley has confirmed that #RishabhPant declined to accept captaincy as he doesn’t want to disturb the existing leadership group for a match or two.#RanjiTrophy #Delhi pic.twitter.com/eMPKEXhroA
— Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) January 17, 2025
Pant’s Journey as Captain
Pant, who has been with the Delhi Capitals since 2016, got his first chance to captain the team in IPL 2021. He led the team in every season except 2023. Now, he will be aiming to secure the IPL title for Lucknow Super Giants.