Rishabh Pant resigns as Lucknow Super Giants captain

Star Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant has stepped down as captain of the Lucknow Super Giants, the franchise announced on Friday. The decision follows a difficult season in which the team finished at the bottom of the Indian Premier League standings.

Pant, who was acquired by Lucknow for a record 27 crore rupees ahead of the 2025 season and appointed captain that January, requested to be relieved of his leadership duties. The franchise management accepted his request. Under his captaincy, the team won only four of its 14 matches in the recently concluded season, missing the playoffs for a third consecutive year.

Tom Moody, the franchise's director of cricket, confirmed the move in a statement. He said Pant approached the franchise with the request, which was respectfully accepted. Moody expressed gratitude for Pant's contributions as captain and stated the team's focus is now on collective rebuilding.

The 2026 campaign marked a low point, with the team finishing tenth. The previous season under Pant had also been challenging, with the team placing seventh. Over two seasons, Pant led the team in 28 matches, securing 10 wins and 18 losses.

According to a franchise official, Pant made...