The decision by Rishabh Pant to step down as captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) may have ended immediate speculation around leadership, but it has done little to secure his future with the franchise.

In fact, reports suggest that LSG are actively considering releasing Pant ahead of the next IPL auction cycle, with concerns growing over whether the record-breaking INR 27 crore investment has delivered sufficient returns. While no final decision has been made, sources indicate that releasing Pant is a serious option being discussed within the franchise’s leadership group.

A Record Price, But Limited Returns

When Lucknow Super Giants secured Pant for INR 27 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, expectations were understandably enormous. The wicketkeeper-batter arrived as one of Indian cricket’s biggest stars and was immediately entrusted with the responsibility of leading the franchise.

However, the results have been disappointing.

Across two IPL seasons with LSG, Pant managed:

• 581 runs in 28 matches
• Batting average: 26.40
• Strike rate: 135.74
• 10 wins as captain from 28 games
• Win percentage: 35.71%

The 2026 season proved particularly difficult. Under Pant’s leadership, Lucknow finished at the bottom of the points table with only four victories from 14 matches, producing a win percentage of just 28.5%.

For a player carrying the highest salary in IPL history, those numbers inevitably raise questions.

Why LSG Could Release Pant

The primary concern appears to be financial value rather than a complete loss of faith in Pant’s abilities.

At INR 27 crore, Pant occupies a significant portion of the franchise’s budget. The management reportedly believes that similar resources could potentially be distributed more effectively across multiple players during the auction.

An interesting possibility being discussed is releasing Pant and attempting to buy him back at a substantially lower price.

Such a move would allow LSG to retain a player they still value while creating greater financial flexibility for squad building.

The presence of experienced cricket minds like Tom Moody, Justin Langer and Kane Williamson within the franchise’s leadership structure suggests decisions are being approached from a strategic and analytical perspective rather than an emotional one.

Pant Voluntarily Stepped Down

Earlier, LSG officially confirmed that Pant had requested to step aside from the captaincy role.

The franchise accepted the decision, with Director of Cricket Tom Moody acknowledging Pant’s contribution while emphasizing the need to focus on rebuilding the team.

The move effectively separates Pant’s future as a player from his role as captain.

While stepping down removes some of the pressure associated with leadership, it does not automatically guarantee retention for the next season.

Instead, it may simply be the first step in a wider restructuring process following a disappointing campaign.

Pooran Likely to Be Retained

Interestingly, another high-profile player facing scrutiny appears more likely to survive any major overhaul.

Nicholas Pooran, retained for INR 21 crore, has also endured a difficult season by his standards.

The explosive left-hander has scored only 234 runs in IPL 2026, far below expectations for one of the league’s most expensive players.

However, unlike Pant, Pooran has stronger recent credentials.

In IPL 2025, he enjoyed an outstanding campaign, scoring 524 runs and establishing himself as one of the tournament’s most destructive batters.

That previous success appears to have earned him additional trust from the management.

Sources indicate that LSG remain keen to continue with Pooran despite his underwhelming season, believing his long-term value remains significant.

The ₹48 Crore Debate

One of the major talking points surrounding LSG’s squad construction has been the combined cost of Pant and Pooran.

Together, the duo account for INR 48 crore—close to 40 percent of an IPL team’s total auction purse.

For a franchise that finished last in the standings, that level of investment naturally comes under scrutiny.

Critics argue that allocating such a large percentage of resources to two players restricts squad depth and flexibility.

The management is therefore expected to conduct a comprehensive review of player salaries, performances and future strategy before making retention decisions.

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Rebuild on the Horizon

Finishing at the bottom of the table often triggers significant change, and Lucknow Super Giants appear no different.

The franchise is expected to evaluate:

• Leadership structure
• Retention strategy
• Auction planning
• Overseas player combinations
• Squad balance

Pant’s situation has become symbolic of a broader challenge facing the franchise: balancing star power with value for money.

While few would question his talent, the economics of the IPL increasingly demand consistent returns from marquee investments.

What Happens Next?

At this stage, Pant’s future remains uncertain rather than decided.

LSG have not officially indicated whether they will release him, retain him, or attempt to negotiate a different arrangement. However, the fact that such discussions are reportedly taking place highlights the scale of the franchise’s disappointment after two difficult seasons.

For Pant, the coming months could be crucial.

A strong international season with India national cricket team may strengthen his position, while LSG’s management continues assessing its options ahead of the next auction cycle.

What once seemed an unbreakable partnership between IPL’s most expensive player and one of its ambitious franchises now appears far less certain. Whether Pant remains in Lucknow or returns to the auction pool could become one of the biggest storylines of the next IPL offseason.