Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has hinted at Rishabh Pant’s possible batting position following his record-breaking acquisition during the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Pant, who became the most expensive player in IPL history at INR 27 crore, is set to embark on a new chapter after spending eight seasons with the Delhi Capitals.
Sanjiv Goenka revealed that Pant could either open the innings or bat at No. 3 for LSG in the upcoming season. He also identified South Africa’s T20 captain Aiden Markram and Australia’s Mitchell Marsh as other key options for the opening slot.
“Options are to open with Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, Marsh and Rishabh Pant, or Markram and Rishabh. Now that is a call they have to take, whether Rishabh will come at No. 3 or No. 2. Those are decisions beyond my capability,” Sanjiv Goenka stated during an interaction with Aakash Chopra on YouTube.
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Although Pant has primarily batted in the middle order throughout his IPL career, the idea of him opening adds an exciting dimension to LSG’s lineup. Pant has opened in just four out of his 110 IPL innings, scoring 104 runs at an average of 26 and a strike rate of 136.84.
Sanjeev Goenka on LSG’s opening combination ? And Rishabh Pant chances as opener…!! pic.twitter.com/h3uI7VhnSd
— Pantastic (@PantasticPant) December 2, 2024
Sanjiv Goenka also disclosed that England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler was a target for LSG, as the franchise sought explosive options at the top of the order. However, Buttler ultimately joined the Gujarat Titans for INR 15.75 crore.
“We had three scenarios in mind. One was with Rishabh Pant and Jos Buttler as an explosive opening pair capable of 60 to 85 runs in the powerplay. Jos was in lot one, but we couldn’t get him,” Sanjiv Goenka explained.
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With Pant and Nicholas Pooran being considered as potential captaincy candidates, Goenka confirmed that the decision has already been made and will be announced shortly. “People are quick to label it as a surprise. For me, it isn’t. The captain has been decided, and we will reveal it in the next few days,” he added.
LSG fans are eagerly anticipating Pant’s impact, both as a game-changer at the top of the order and possibly as the team’s leader. His inclusion promises an electrifying season ahead for the Lucknow-based franchise.
