New Delhi [India]: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant has shut down speculation about his departure from the franchise following their disappointing campaign in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Entering a must-win clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow’s playoff hopes hung by a thread. A victory would have kept them mathematically alive in the race for the final four, but a crushing six-wicket defeat ended their campaign in the group stage.
The match saw Sunrisers chase down a daunting 206-run target, firmly eliminating LSG from contention. The loss sparked a wave of criticism from fans and pundits alike, much of which was directed at Pant—whose underwhelming individual performance mirrored the team’s inconsistent season.
Shortly after LSG’s exit, rumours began swirling online that the franchise was planning to release Pant—who was signed for a hefty ₹27 crore—ahead of the next season. However, the 27-year-old captain was quick to respond, labelling the reports as baseless.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Pant wrote:
“I understand fake News gives more traction. To content but let’s not built everything around it. Little sense and credible news will help more rather making fake news with an agenda. Thanks have a good day. Let’s be responsible and sensible what we put out on social media.”
This strong rebuttal puts to rest growing speculation surrounding his future with LSG—at least for now.
Pant, who was previously dropped from India’s ODI XI during the Champions Trophy-winning run, had looked to the IPL for a fresh start. But the season did not unfold as planned. In 12 matches, he managed just 135 runs, averaging 12.27 with a strike rate barely touching 100.
His best performance came against Chennai Super Kings, where he scored a fluent 63 off 49 deliveries. However, it remained one of the few bright spots in an otherwise lacklustre season. In LSG’s final and crucial fixture, Pant was dismissed for just 7 off 6 balls, caught and bowled by Eshan Malinga.
While questions around his form persist, Pant’s public dismissal of exit rumours indicates he remains committed to the franchise—at least for the time being. With an off-season ahead, the spotlight now shifts to whether he can recalibrate and return to form before the next big campaign.