LSG boss says Rishabh Pant will destroy Rohit Sharma's MS Dhoni legacy and become the best captain ever in IPL

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka has high hopes from Rishabh Pant, who has been officially announced as the team's captain for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Sanjiv Goenka says Rishabh Pant has the potential to become the best captain India has ever had in the T20 tournament.

Goenka held a special talk with Pant in Kolkata on Monday, January 20. The Super Giants spent big money to purchase the left-handed hitter's services for the upcoming and future seasons. Pant became the most valuable player in the history of IPL and was acquired by LSG for a whopping Rs 27 crore.

Rishabh Pant can win at least 5-6 IPL titles – Sanjiv Goenka

Sanjiv Goenka hopes Rishabh Pant will lead the team to greatness as a player and captain. Goenka predicted that Pant will win at least 5-6 IPL titles in the next 10-15 years, making him one of the game's greatest captains along with cricket legends like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

“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 his nine-year association with the franchise. Pant has leadership experience in Delhi Capitals and on the international stage. He becomes the fourth player from LSG to hold this position after Krunal Pandya, KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran.

We have reserved a budget of Rs 27 crore for Rishabh Pant – Sanjiv Goenka

Goenka revealed that Lucknow Supergiants are determined to acquire Pant during the IPL 2025 auction. They allocated him a budget of Rs 27 crore and were determined to secure his services.

“We have reserved a budget of Rs 27 crore for Rishabh Pant. We are determined to get him (during the IPL auction),” Goenka revealed.

The Super Giants are still seeking their first IPL title since their debut in 2022. The Lucknow-based team, who are ranked seventh and missed out on the playoffs in 2024, hope to win their first title in 2025.

He might become 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 and passionate leadership style and expressed confidence that he can become the best captain ever in the IPL.

“Rishabh Pant will not only be the best player in LSG but the IPL itself. Never seen such a passionate person. He is the boy next door; his connection with the players, the team and the thought process is different . The traditional thought process lacks uniqueness,” Goenka shared.

“I think he is a leader. He will probably be the best captain IPL has ever seen,” he added.

The LSG boss stressed the importance of building mutual trust within the team. He admitted that Pant may be familiar with some players but not others. Goenka points out that victory is the ultimate goal, but victory and defeat are part of the journey.

“Rishabh Pant knows some players but not others. We have to create a platform of trust. At the end of the day, you want to win. You're not going to win every game – losing and winning are both important components. You Learn to accept defeat with victory,” Goenka said.

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