Rishabh Pant to topple MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma’s legacy to become best IPL captain, claims LSG owner

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has high expectations Rishabh pantswho has been officially announced as the captain of the team for the upcoming season IPL 2025. Sanjiv Goenka stated 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 Calcutta. The Super Giants broke 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 cricketing legends like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as one of the best captains in the tournament.

“He will play for 10-15 years. During that time, he can win at least 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 leadership experience both at Delhi Capitals and on the international stage. He becomes the fourth player to fill this role for LSG, then Krunal PandyaKL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran.

We had kept a budget of Rs 27 crore for Rishabh Pant – Sanjiv Goenka

Goenka revealed that the Lucknow Super Giants were determined to acquire Pant during the IPL 2025 auction. They had earmarked a budget of Rs 27 crore for him and were adamant about securing his services.

“We had kept a budget of Rs 27 crore for Rishabh Pant. We were adamant about getting 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 failed to reach the final 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 ever 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 in LSG but also in the IPL. I’ve never seen someone with so much passion. He’s the guy next door; his connection with the players, teamsand the thought process is different. Conventional thought processes lack singularity,” shared Goenka.

“I see him as a leader. He will probably be the best captain IPL has seen,” he added.

The owner of LSG emphasized the importance of building mutual trust within the team. He acknowledged 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 a few 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 of the same. You learn to beat by winning,” Goenka said.

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