Lucknow Super Giants finished bottom of the points table in IPL 2026. (Image: PTI)

Rishabh Pant's captaincy under threat? LSG director hints at leadership reset

Tom Moody suggested that LSG will look to evaluate all their options which includes the leadership positions. This comes after the side led by Rishabh Pant lost to Punjab Kings to finish at the bottom of the points table.

24 May 2026, 05:00 by Amar Sunil Panicker · India Today

In Short

Punjab Kings defeat confirmed Lucknow Super Giants finish bottom in IPL 2026
Pant struggled for runs and leadership despite a squad packed with talent
Moody said the franchise would reflect on their options including the leadership roles

Lucknow Super Giants' Director of cricket, Tom Moody, hinted that the franchise will be looking to evaluate their options, which includes Rishabh Pant's captaincy after the side's loss against Punjab Kings on Saturday which ensured that they would finish at the bottom of the points table for the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026).

The franchise has been under the spotlight for the right and wrong reasons, but Rishabh Pant's captaincy is one that has been one of their most disappointing aspects this year. The wicketkeeper-batter has struggled to make an impact with the bat or with his leadership despite having some talented names within the squad – be it experienced campaigners or some top uncapped talent.

Speaking after LSG's loss at home, Moody admitted that reflection is the need for the hour but dropped the bombshell that the leadership is also something they would revisit and hope to rectify going forward.

LSG vs PBKS, IPL 2026: UPDATES | SCORECARD

"I know this season has been a difficult one for us, but we will reflect on it. We’ll take time, consider all aspects, and assess things properly. Certainly, we haven’t lived up to the expectations or the standards we set for ourselves. When it comes to the leadership of the franchise, that is something we will be giving very serious consideration to in terms of what it looks like in the future," Moody said at the post-match press conference.

"Like every department, when you reflect on a season, we will be making considered decisions. It certainly looks like we need to consider a reset," he added.

Moody did not want to pin the blame on anyone just yet. But it looks like there will be some serious introspection from within to improve their fortunes for next season.

"We’re all responsible. I don’t think this is the time to point fingers at any individual. We all have to take accountability. As I said, now is not the time to put blame to any particular department. We need time to reflect on this calmly, but there are certainly things we need to address, and those will be addressed," Moody said.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR RISHABH PANT?

The 28-year-old is hitting his prime athletic years, but his career has not been going in the same trajectory. He was recently dropped from India's white-ball setup recently for the home series against Afghanistan, which could be a sign that the Indian team is also looking to move on.

The misery continued in the Test team as well, with Pant's vice-captaincy role being handed to KL Rahul, who ironically, was the previous captain of LSG before 2025.

In LSG, Pant has not looked the part with the bat or captaincy, and it will be interesting to see if the franchise opts to continue backing him next season or move on from the Indian star.

- Ends