Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has high expectations for Rishabh Pantwho has been officially announced as the captain of the team for the upcoming season of IPL 2025. Sanjiv Goenka has said that Rishabh Pant has the potential to become the best captain that India's T20 tournament has ever seen.
On Monday, January 20, Goenka along with Pant held a special talk in Kolkata. The Super Giants have broken the bank to acquire the services of the left-handed batsman for the upcoming and future seasons. Pant, who became the most expensive player in IPL history, was acquired by LSG for Rs 27 crore.
Rishabh Pant can win at least 5-6 IPL titles – Sanjiv Goenka
Sanjiv Goenka wants Rishabh Pant to lead the team to greatness both as a player and captain. Goenka predicted that Pant will win at least 5-6 IPL titles in the next 10-15 years, placing him alongside cricket legends like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as one of the tournament's greatest captains.
“He will play for 10-15 years. During this time he can win atleast 5-6 IPL titles. People will say, 'Mahi, Rohit, Rishabh,'” Goenka said.
Pant was released by Delhi Capitals after the 2024 IPL season, ending a nine-year association with the franchise. Pant has management experience with both the Delhi Capitals and on the international stage. He becomes the fourth player to take on this role for LSG, following Krunal PandyaKL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran.
I kept a budget of Rs 27 crore for Rishabh Pant – Sanjiv Goenka
Goenka revealed that Super Giants Lucknow were determined to acquire Pant during the IPL 2025 auction. They have allocated him a budget of Rs 27 crore and were determined to secure his services.
“We kept a budget of Rs 27 crore for Rishabh Pant. We were determined to get him (during the IPL auction),” revealed Goenka.
The Super Giants are still in the hunt for their first IPL title since their debut in 2022. They have failed to reach the finals despite advancing to the playoffs in the first two seasons. The Lucknow-based franchise finished seventh and missed the playoffs in 2024 and will be hoping to win their first title in 2025.
He will probably be the best captain IPL has seen – Sanjiv Goenka
Sanjiv Goenka wants Pant to become the greatest player in IPL history. Goenka praised Pant for his relaxed yet passionate leadership style and expressed confidence that he could become the best captain the IPL has ever seen.
“Rishabh Pant will not only be the best player of LSG but also of IPL itself. I've never seen anyone with so much passion. He is the boy next door; his connection with the players, TEAMSand the thought process is different. Conventional thought processes lack uniqueness,” Goenka said.
“I see him as a leader. He will probably be the best captain the IPL has seen,” he added.
The LSG owner emphasized the importance of building mutual trust within the team. He admitted that Pant may be familiar with some players and not others. Goenka noted that winning is the ultimate goal, but both wins and losses are part of the journey.
“Rishabh Pant knows some players, he doesn't know others. We need to create a platform where there is mutual trust. At the end of the day, you want to win. You won't win every game – losing and winning are part and parcel. You learn to overcome defeat with victory,” Goenka said.
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