Newly-appointed Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant has admitted to considering the possibility of opening the batting in IPL 2025. However, he emphasized that such a decision would only be made after careful discussions with the team management, rather than being influenced by outside opinions.
Pant became the costliest player in IPL history after LSG secured him for ₹27 crores during the 2025 auction last November. The 27-year-old had previously spent his entire IPL career with the Delhi Capitals (DC) before parting ways in the off-season.
Known for his prowess in the middle order, Pant has rarely opened the batting in the IPL, doing so only four times back in 2016. With LSG’s IPL 2025 squad lacking proven openers, the team faces a critical decision regarding their batting lineup.
Speaking about the prospect of opening the batting after his appointment as LSG captain on Monday, January 20, Pant said in an interview with Sports Tak (as reported by Indiatvnews):
“Obviously, there is a temptation to go that way [open the innings] but there is no 100 per cent clarity that should I open or stay in the middle order.”
”Because when you have played in the middle order for so many years and have done well, God has been kind, so you get used to it. So I don’t want to make rash decisions like ‘let’s do it because the external noise is suggesting this.'”
He further added:
“For me, this is my life, it’s my career and this is something I live for and I don’t want to change that overnight. I want to think over it a bit more, discuss it further with Zak bhai [Zaheer Khan, LSG mentor] and Justin [Langer, LSG head coach] about what we can do and eventually, we will back whatever decision we take.”
“I promise to give my 200%”- Rishabh Pant after being named LSG captain
After his appointment as captain, Rishabh Pant vowed to give his all to ensure LSG’s success. The 27-year-old previously led DC for three IPL seasons (2021, 2022, and 2024), securing 23 wins in 43 matches. During the press conference, Pant stated (as quoted by News18):
“Thank you to LSG family for showing faith in me. I will give my 200% and that’s my commitment to you. I will try whatever is in my power to repay the faith you have shown. Looking forward to have a new beginning with new energy and just have a blast out there, and have lots of fun.”
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