India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has stepped down as captain of IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants following the team’s poor performance in the 2026 season.

The Lucknow-based franchise confirmed the development on Friday through an official statement on social media, saying Pant had requested to be relieved of captaincy responsibilities and that the management had accepted his decision with immediate effect.

The move comes after a difficult campaign for LSG, who finished at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table with only four wins from 14 matches. It was the franchise’s worst season since joining the league.

Expensive signing fails to deliver expected results

Pant had joined Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL 2025 season after being bought for a record ₹27 crore at the auction. The signing was seen as one of the biggest moves in IPL history, with the franchise placing its faith in the left-handed batter to lead a new era for the side.

However, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs in both seasons under his leadership.

Reports said Pant captained LSG in 28 matches across two IPL seasons, managing only a limited number of victories during that period.

In its statement, the franchise said Pant himself approached the management regarding the decision.

“Lucknow Super Giants wish to formally announce that Rishabh Pant has requested to be relieved of his captaincy duties with the franchise, and the franchise has accepted his request with immediate effect,” the team said.

Franchise shifts focus to rebuilding phase

The franchise thanked Pant for his contribution as skipper and acknowledged the difficulty of the decision.

LSG’s management said the focus would now move towards restructuring the squad and improving performances in future seasons.

“Rishabh approached the franchise with this request and we have respectfully accepted it. These decisions are never easy. We are grateful for everything Rishabh has brought to this dressing room as captain. Our focus now is on the collective, rebuilding and restructuring to reach the best standards,” the statement added.

Pressure grew after poor season

Lucknow Super Giants struggled throughout the 2026 season and became the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention. The side managed only eight points from 14 matches and never found consistency with either bat or ball.

Pant’s own form with the bat also came under scrutiny during the campaign, with criticism growing over both his performances and tactical decisions as captain.

The decision to step down is being viewed as part of a wider reset within the franchise ahead of the next IPL season. Reports suggest LSG could now look at alternative leadership options as they prepare for a rebuilding phase.

Speculation over next captain begins

Following Pant’s exit from the leadership role, speculation has already started over who could take charge of the side next season.

Several senior international players are currently part of the LSG squad, including Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran, all of whom have leadership experience at international level.

Neither the franchise nor Pant has commented on who may replace him as captain.

Pant, meanwhile, is expected to continue as a player for the franchise unless further decisions are taken ahead of the next auction cycle.

Agency inputs