Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant has made it clear that his vision for IPL 2026 goes beyond just results — it’s about bringing the joy of cricket back into the dressing room. Speaking ahead of the new season, Pant admitted that the “fun” element in modern cricket is slowly fading, replaced by pressure and high expectations. For him, restoring that balance is key to unlocking better performances from players.
“I think everyone is fun-loving, but the environment is already so stressful,” Rishabh Pant said. “If you carry too much stress and don’t enjoy yourself, you won’t be able to give your best.”
Pant’s philosophy is simple yet powerful — cricket should never feel like a burden. He believes that reconnecting with the pure love of the game, something players experienced as kids, can make a real difference at the highest level.
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“As kids, why did we play cricket? Because we enjoyed it,” he added. “Yes, there is a lot at stake now, but you shouldn’t stop enjoying the game. That’s something missing these days.”
LSG captain #RishabhPant aims to bring back ‘enjoyment’ to cricket, believing it enhances performance. https://t.co/nhsFemwfFy
— News18 CricketNext (@cricketnext) March 20, 2026
However, the LSG skipper is also realistic about the challenges ahead. After a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign where the team finished outside the playoffs, Pant knows that mindset alone won’t fix everything — especially their bowling struggles. To address that, LSG have brought in experienced bowling coach Bharat Arun, a move Pant believes could be a game-changer.
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“The camp with the fast bowlers has been fantastic,” Rishabh Pant said. “Since Bharat Arun sir joined, he has added a lot of value. We’ve had detailed conversations about what I expect from the bowlers and what he can bring to the table.” Pant also highlighted Arun’s ability to connect with players — a crucial factor in building trust within the squad. “He is one of the best bowling coaches, and I have worked with him before with the Indian team. The bowlers trust him, they open up to him, and that’s exactly what you want,” he explained.
With a renewed focus on team culture and a strengthened coaching setup, Lucknow Super Giants will be aiming for a fresh start in IPL 2026 — one built on both performance and positivity.
