Rishabh Pant Credits Rohit Sharma for Shaping His Leadership Philosophy Ahead of IPL 2025

Rishabh Pant, the new captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), recognizes Rohit Sharma the important man leading India for showing him how to look after his team and trust them. This call is special because, even though Pant began his cricket under Virat Kohli in 2017 and has played with  captains such as Mahendra Singh Dhoni, it's Rohit's guidance that's truly led him into the exciting world of what it means to be a good leader.

Pant's taking over as LSG's captain is of major importance  they are relying on him to do an excellent job both as a fearless hitter and a leader who knows his material. The individual's just 25 years old and already cost them ₹27 crore, so they're expecting him to shoot straight and deliver. In an exchange recently, Pant was reflective about how he's gotten better at leading, saying it's not only the important people who've taught him, but also the seasoned players teaching him how things work.

Rishabh Pant on the qualities of Rohit Sharma as a captain. 🫡❤️pic.twitter.com/0g3ik3EhMu

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 20, 2025

Yes, I've learned from a lot of captains and many senior players because I believe leadership lessons are not confined to captains alone. There's so much to gain from experienced players and the manner they approach the evolving skill, Pant said, diving into how it's not only the major names, but also the lessons from the field, that count. But it was Rohit Sharma who really added the enhancements to how he thinks about making his team feel valued and believed in. Pant was saying, With Rohit bhai, I've learned how to care for a player, and that resonates with my own philosophy as a captain, pointing out that a little faith can push a player to do amazing things for the team.

ALSO READ: ECL 2025: Full Squad List for the Entertainers Cricket League

Captain. Rishabh. Pant.

That’s the tweet🔥 pic.twitter.com/3NdCc00l5D

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) January 20, 2025

Mister Pant wants his team to keep going, even when it's tough, because that never-quit way of thinking is what he believes will make LSG stand out. It is noticeably about giving that extra bit for the team and building from the ground up, a sensation where everyone's pushing the limits for each other. And in the final analysis, having Zaheer Khan, a cricket legend, by his side as a mentor for LSG is going to be very important.

Khan's been through it all and having him to lean on is going to help Pant handle the pressure of leading a team in such a strikingly large competition. similar to Pant's approach while captain of the Delhi Capitals, he's bringing that same energy to LSG. Conceptually, Pant's plan of action is to become acquainted and build a group that's not simply talented but tough and ready to face whatever the 2025 IPL season sets forward. With trust, a strong fighting spirit, and leadership that focuses on bringing out the best in each player, LSG's looking to leave a mark under Pant's leadership.world of IPL cricket.

Rishabh Pant: A Future IPL Captaincy Great?

cricket fans known about Rishabh Pant and his journey to becoming a top captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sanjiv Goenka, who owns the Lucknow Super Giants, challenged everyone, predicting that Pant's name is going to move to the highest part of the list of the IPL's most successful captains right up there with legends such as Mahi and Rohit.

That's a very loud yell. Goenka didn't only stop there. Mister Goenka doubled down, calling Pant a born leader and even said that Pant might (simply) be the best captain the IPL will ever see. That's a lot of excitement, but Pant doesn't just talk. Mister Pant's already been leading at Delhi Capitals, surging in popularity with how he leads  calm but instinctive, aggressive yet sharp and informed.

Sanjiv Goenka said, "people now say 'Mahi, Rohit' in IPL's most successful captains list. Mark my words, after 10-12 years it'll be 'Mahi, Rohit and Rishabh Pant'".

Sanjiv Goenka said, "I see a born leader in Rishabh Pant. From my point of view, he will probably be the best captain IPL has ever seen".

ALSO READ: LSG Captaincy: Rishabh Pant Takes the charge for IPL 2025

Players who play with him and those who thoroughly understand their cricket are all nodding along, saying Pant's greatness and captiancy skills. And now, with the LSG officially making Pant their captain, it's clearly everything's coming full circle for him. This is his major chance to prove such deep captaincy focus isn't simply empty talk. Mister Pant's faced down tough times, such as that abominable injury that could've ended things for him. But he bounced back, and now he's ready to impress this new team with his eager way of leading. Suddenly, we circle fully back to Goenka's important note the Pant ending up on the IPL's captaincy Mount Rushmore in 10-12 years. If Pant keeps on the path he's on, turning setbacks into comebacks, and leading his team as if he's born to do it, who's to say it won't happen?

Rishabh Pant is trying to be a good team captain because he's positive, makes decisions fast, and can make his team excited and ready. Mister Pant is still learning and getting better, and in the end, you would find that he might be just as legendary as major names such as MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Now that another season of IPL is coming up, everyone's looking to see if Pant can really turn all the high hopes people have for him into actual wins. Some people think he might become one of the major stars of IPL captaincy soon. Today, everyone's just watching Pant to see if he'll be one of the great captian in cricket history,among the greats.

Rishabh Pant Named Lucknow Super Giants Captain for IPL 2025

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) announced on January 20, by their owner, Sanjiv Goenka, that Rishabh Pant is going to be their captain for the IPL in 2025. A 27 year old individual has previously shown his skills as a leader with the Delhi Capitals during the 2021, 2022, and 2024 seasons. Now, it is his turn to lead LSG, making him the fourth captain after KL Rahul, Krunal Pandya, and Nicholas Pooran.

Pant's got a history of 43 matches as captain with the Capitals, winning 24 of them. Even though he's not in India's T20 team today, his amazing performance in the 2024 IPL obtaining 446 runs with an good strike rate of 155.40 definitely grasped LSG's attention. In great contrast to not being in the T20 mix for India, Pant was chosen by LSG for a strikingly large Rs 27 crore during the IPL 2025 player mega auction that's a major cash showing they're placing a lot of trust in him. Goenka was very positive, saying the team's strategy centered around Pant, believing in time Pant will prove to be a top notch pick, both pricy and skilled in the IPL . Pant himself seemed very glad about being chosen captain. Mr. Pant was very grateful for the kind words and was excited to get started with the team. It seems the conversations with the team have been solid, making him feel right at home.

The group Pant's leading isn't short of experienced players either. People like Aiden Markram from South Africa and Mitchell Marsh from Australia, plus weighty hitters Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, and Ayush Badoni are all part of the mix. With this crew, Pant is in a good spot to make a major impact in the game, supported by a solid team with plenty of leadership knowledge.

ALSO READ: “A Knock to Remember” – Shreyas Iyer Picks His Best Innings from the 2023 ODI World Cup

🚨 𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 🚨

Lucknow Super Giants have named Rishabh Pant as their new captain! 🧢

Pant shattered records in the IPL 2025 mega-auction with a staggering ₹27 CR bid, making him the most expensive player in IPL history 💰

Can the dynamic Indian keeper-batter guide LSG… pic.twitter.com/pEvvfff9Rj

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) January 20, 2025

Here, in this state of affairs, fully, with Pant at the helm for LSG, and surrounded by a strong team, it's going to be exciting to see how the 2025 IPL season unfolds for them. LSG became added as one of the new teams in the IPL in 2022, and they've actually been doing quite good, getting to the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023. Even though they've got some top rate players in their starting team, some fans are worried they might not have enough good players sitting on the bench.

But, with a person like Pant leading the team, and several impressive players ready to go, LSG is all set on fixing what didn't work before and trying very hard to win their first IPL trophy in 2025. Pant is not only simply about being the head of the team and his batting is something else and might (simply) be what LSG needs to finally get ahead. After coming back from a nasty car crash in December 2022, he's been playing amazingly in the 2024 IPL, showing everyone he's still got it, and might even get back into playing for the country again. A careful examination reveals that having Pant in charge is a major move for the Lucknow Super Giants because they're looking to be unstoppable with him as their top notch and aggressive captain in 2025 throughout the season.

After all the rumors, it was confirmed and reports came that Virat Kohli is ready to play domestic cricket for the first time since 2012. He will participate in the upcoming Delhi matches in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

Virat Kohli's name has been added to Delhi's probable squad which will play against Saurashtra on 23 January.

But there is still doubt about his participation because Virat Kohli suffers from a neck sprain, due to this, he had to take an injection.

And it raises doubt whether he will be available for the next Rajkot clash or not. 

DDCA is likely to name him in the squad, subject to availability 

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has reported that they have not received any update on Virat Kohli’s condition. 

Regardless of how he (Virat Kohli) is likely to be included in Delhi’s squad with the subject to availability.

According to the source, “Virat Kohli had a neck sprain and even took an injection for the same. There is a possibility of him skipping the first of the two Ranji Trophy games left, and a clear picture could come if the DDCA selectors are given an update.”

DDCA optimistic on Rishabh Pant’s’ playing both games 

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability to play Delhi’s next Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra. 

On the other hand, DDCA wants him to play in the final Ranji Trophy 2024-25 game at home.

Also Read: BCCI's New Discipline Code: Key Guidelines for Indian Cricketers

Virat Kohli is likely to train with the squad in Rajkot 

His participation in Delhi’s Ranji against Saurashtra remains uncertain due to a neck sprain, but he will be added to the squad and train with them in Rajkot on the 21st and 22nd of January ahead of the Saurashtra clash in the Ranji “subject to availability”.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) squad boasts an excellent balance of youth and experience and some unique assets. Prior to the auction, LSG had retained a total of five players, summing up their reliable and pivotal core. They retained Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Nicholas Pooran, and Ayush Badoni. As a result, the team's core structure regarding how LSG intended to proceed had already been established.

In addition, the Uttar Pradesh-based arsenal also created history at the Indian Premier League 2025 super auction by acquiring Team India's reliable keeper batter, Rishabh Pant, for a colossal INR 27 Crore, making him the most expensive player ever purchased in the history of IPL. LSG fell head over heels for Pant after releasing KL Rahul, who commanded the team for three seasons, leading them to two consecutive playoffs. That said, here we look over the two strengths and one weakness of the 2025 LSG squad. 

Lucknow Supergiants 2025 IPL Squad: Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Ayush Badoni, Mohsin Khan, Rishabh Pant, Avesh Khan, David Miller, Shahbaz Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Akash Deep, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Shamar Joseph, M Siddharth, Himmat Singh, Arshin Kulkarni, Digvesh Singh, Prince Yadav, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Akash Singh, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Aryan Juyal.

2 Strengths:

Top-notch and promising overseas players

Apart from the swashbuckling Caribbean wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran, who has been a consistent contributor for the Lucknow-based side, the roster includes other talented international players, such as David Miller, who will bat in the middle with Mitch Marsh and Aiden Markram. Almost all foreign players are utility players who may be draughted into the XI, depending on the field circumstances.

On paper, LSG has one of the league's finest international players, and it will be intriguing to watch how they deploy them all. Marsh can open and bat in the middle of the order. Similarly, Markram can open and contribute quality four overs.

An army of power-hitters

The Lucknow Super Giants' batting lineup has some of the best power hitters. Rishabh Pant, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, and Ayush Badoni are key players with the bat. They can easily smash intense lengths and baffling spins, aiming for relatively long square borders in home games. As a result, LSG should be one of the stronger teams in terms of pace next season.

They are led by two of the game's top power hitters, Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran. Both floaters may switch between batting positions depending on the match scenario. The West Indian batter is, without a doubt, the best white-ball ball striker. Add Pant's flamboyance to the mixture and LSG, making him everyone's favourite in the aggressive batters category. 

1 Weakness:

Bleak and inexperienced pace attack

LSG's first-choice pacers will include Shamar Joseph, Mayank Yadav, Akashdeep Singh, and Mohsin Khan. But if any of them are injured, LSG's pace assault will weaken, forcing them to settle for less effective choices. Though Mayank Yadav is a promising campaigner for the Indian Cricket team, thanks to his lethal pace, his consistency and agility will be under the radar for his future performance.

Meanwhile, Mohsin Khan, Shamar Joseph and Akashdeep Singh possess impeccable pace. However, their experience in the shortest game format amongst the power-hitters would be scrutinised, making it a quality unit that lacked understanding. Only time will tell about how much impact they would create with quick deliveries.

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) recently announced the senior men’s probable squad for the upcoming round of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. International cricketers Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Harshit Rana have been included in the probable squad.

In the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 points table, Delhi are in fourth place in Group D of the Elite Group challenge with 14 points after five matches (one win, one loss, and three draws). In the group stage, Delhi have two matches left, against Saurashtra and Railways, starting on January 23 and 30, respectively. 

Both matches are must-win games for Delhi to stay in contention for the knockout stages of the tournament.

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah: ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024

Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Harshit Rana are in Delhi's probable squad

Recently, the DDCA announced the complete probable squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches, where the international players Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Harshit Rana were also named. It was also mentioned that the international players' inclusions are subject to their availabilities. 

Rana is in Indian T20I squad, Kohli and Pant can serve for Delhi

Meanwhile, India are ready to host England in a five-match T20I series and then a three-match ODI series. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the T20I squad, where the pacer Harshit Rana has been included. While the T20I series will start on January 22, Rana is likely to be unavailable for Delhi in the last two league-stage matches of the Ranji Trophy. 

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli already retired from T20I cricket, and Rishabh Pant has been rested from the T20I series. While both can be named for the ODI series, which will be a crucial preparation for Team India for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19, they can play for Delhi in the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. 

Kohli is struggling with the bat in the red-ball format, and the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches can boost his confidence before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

Rishabh Pant or Yashasvi Jaiswal Likely to Be Named Test Vice-Captain

Everyone's discussing who will be the new vice captain for the Indian cricket team in Test matches. It's between Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal. But, according to Kushan Sarkar from PTI, it seems Pant is likely to get the job.

Jasprit Bumrah: The Former Vice-Captain

Jasprit Bumrah used to be the vice-captain, but he has been having health problems that kept him from playing many games in Test cricket. The team might want someone who can play more and has been around longer for the vice-captain spot since they think Bumrah's proficient at leading, but he is not there often. This is happening as India gets ready for their next Test matches.

🚨 RISHABH PANT or YASHASVI JAISWAL AS TEST VICE-CAPTAIN 🚨

- Pant or Jaiswal is likely to be Vice Captain of the Indian Test team, Pant is the favorite to be the Deputy of the Test team. [Kushan Sarkar From PTI] pic.twitter.com/aGxz9Uj7Vc

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 13, 2025

Pant: A Strong Contender and Jaiswal: A Rising Star

Rishabh Pant is vitally important to India's Test team because of his amazing batting skills and sharp and informed tactics. Mr. Pant's shown he can handle pressure by playing very well in Australia and England. Also, his time leading the Delhi Capitals in the IPL shows he's excellent leadership skills.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, on the other hand, represents the new wave of Indian cricket. Having showcased his talent with a phenomenal debut Test series in the West Indies and consistent domestic performances, Jaiswal’s temperament and maturity have caught the selectors' attention. While relatively new to the international scene, his rapid rise makes him a viable candidate for the vice-captaincy, signaling a long-term investment in leadership.

ALSO READ: Australia's Champions Trophy Squad Announced: Matt Short and Aaron Hardie Earn Maiden Call-Ups

What the Team Needs

Selectors must choose between picking someone who's already shown they can be in charge or choosing a player who can become very good as they grow. While Pant brings a fierce attitude that is like how India plays test matches, Jaiswal could offer something new with his calm demeanor.

The next Test series will be crucial for determining the deputy. India’s leadership team, led by Rohit Sharma, will aim for a balance of stability and vision as they finalize their vice-captain. Regardless of the decision, both Pant and Jaiswal embody the resilience and promise of Indian cricket’s future.

Rishabh Pant Career Stats

Batting & Fielding

Yashasvi Jaiswal Career Stats

Batting & Fielding

Ravichandran Ashwin on Rishabh Pant: A Rare Tribute to a Unique Talent

Cricket players such as Rishabh Pant are unfathomably valuable in the Indian cricket world. That's why Ravichandran Ashwin doesn't often make a whole YouTube video about just one player, but for someone such as Pant, he made an exception. This person's talent for hitting amazing shots against the bowlers, and also being able to hang there when things get hard, is what makes him stand out.

This was exemplified in the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test between India and Australia, where Pant displayed both facets of his game. In the first innings, he scored a gritty 98-ball 40, followed by a scintillating 33-ball 61 in the second. While the second-innings blitz earned widespread acclaim, Ashwin reminded fans of the importance of Pant’s fighting knock in the first innings. “One opinion about Rishabh was that he plays a lot of shots, and he needs to fight it out in Test cricket. I’ve always grown up hearing that you have to fight it out. In Sydney, he played two different knocks in one single game. He got hit everywhere and scored a 40.

It will be the least spoken innings of Rishabh Pant. It is very unfair,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. The veteran spinner also hailed Pant as one of the best Test batters since the inception of the World Test Championship (WTC), a significant compliment in itself. Yet, Ashwin’s focus on Pant’s often-underrated defensive technique caught the most attention

ALSO READ: Indian wicketkeeper-batter can be rested from England series

Ravi Ashwin talking about Rishabh Pant. 🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/gKp0YHnDD4

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 10, 2025

Pant’s Defence: An Underrated Asset

Ashwin said that Joe Root has been on another level when it comes to batting lately. Over the past seven years, batting's really changed. A Test cricket? It's apparently concentrated on how you handle the game moment by moment. After he scored a fantastic fifty in the second innings, everyone started cheering for him. They ended that awful first innings and just focused on how well he played the second time.Ashwin highlighted that Pant’s defence is among the best in world cricket, an attribute rarely discussed in Indian cricketing circles. “We must realise that Rishabh Pant rarely gets out playing a defence. He’s got one of the best defences in world cricket. Defence has become a challenging aspect. He has the best defence with a soft hand. I have bowled to him a lot in the nets. He doesn’t get out; he doesn’t edge, and he doesn’t get LBW. He has the best defence. I have tried telling him this,” Ashwin said.

The Need for a Middle Ground

Ashwin said he's got all the moves, reverse sweep, slog sweep, every single one, but the catch is they're all unfathomably risky. He definitely has the skills to achieve many points every match if he can play 200 balls, without any difficulty. But what's really important is balancing it out. If he can combine it all, the individual is going to hit 100 runs every match, definitively.He just needs to think through that balanced play style.

Ashwin emphasized the importance of proper guidance for Pant to unlock his full potential.“We have to tell him properly what he has to do if he has to bat solid or bat with intent. He hasn’t scored a lot of runs, but he didn’t play like someone without runs. He has a lot of time on his hands. Rishabh Pant is yet to realise his fullest potential,” Ashwin concluded.

Rishabh Pant's spectacular mix of being aggressive and technically skilled makes him a very interesting player in world cricket. Ashwin's thoughts clearly show that there's still so much more potential in Pant's game that hasn't been fully used yet. If Pant manages to find just the right balance, he could reach even larger achievements in his Test career.Pant's manner of playing is bold and attracts a lot of attention but it's that combo of skills that keeps everyone watching him.

Rishabh Pant Career Stats

Batting & Fielding

Finally, the popular Rishabh Pant show came, and that too at the most important time. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter’s fiery batting put the visitors in a good challenging position in the Sydney Test. 

The Sydney Test is the series decider of the thrilling five-match Test series Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where the visitors India are trailing by 2-1. It is a must-win game for India to retain the Trophy by ending the Test series 2-2 and staying in contention for the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final. 

Under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah in the Sydney Test, India won the toss and chose to bat first. While India scored 185 runs in the first innings, Australia were all out for 181 runs in their first innings. 

Leading by four runs before the beginning of their second innings, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul provided a positive start, especially Jaiswal who hit four fours to the Aussie left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc in the first over of the innings. After the 42-run opening partnership was broken, India were struggling at 59/3 when Virat Kohli was caught out again at the slip and Rishabh Pant joined the crease.

Also Watch: Rohit Sharma says "Ye koi retirement ka decision nahi hai"

Rishabh Pant started with an over-boundary

Fearless Pant started his innings with a sixer against the dangerous-looking Aussie fast bowler Scott Boland. It was just a start as the left-handed batter completed a 29-ball half-century, the second fastest Test fifty by an Indian, and the fastest Test half-century by a visiting batter in Australia.

Pant also holds the record for the fastest Test fifty by an Indian with a 28-ball half-century against Sri Lanka during the 2022 Bengaluru Test. 

Pant broke an almost 50-year-old record

Meanwhile, West Indies cricketer Roy Fredericks was the previous record holder for the fastest Test half-century by a visiting batter in Australia. During the 1975 Perth Test, the Caribbean cricketer recorded a 33-ball fifty against the hosts. 

Pant scored 61 off just 33 balls to shift the Indian total quickly toward setting a challenging and uncomfortable fourth innings target for the hosts. After playing a powerful knock, where the left-handed batter smashed six fours and four sixes, the Aussie skipper Pat Cummins dismissed him. India ended the second day of the Test match at 141/6 with a lead of 145 runs. 

Two back-to-back sixes to Starc

During the latest innings, which is one of his memorable batting performances in Test cricket, Pant smashed three consecutive fours to the Test debutant Beau Webster (18th over of the innings) and two successive sixes to Starc (22nd over of the innings).

While the Indian top-order batters once again failed to set up the Indian innings in the first innings of the Sydney Test, the wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is playing an important role in setting the innings along with Ravindra Jadeja.

In the tough overcast conditions, Indian stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah chose to bat first after winning the toss. The top-order batters once again failed to provide a good start as the visitors were struggling at 72/4 after losing both the openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, and the next two batters, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, all cheaply. 

Pant-Jadeja fought hard

Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja tried to fight back in the innings. Due to coming in early to bat in the challenging moment, Pant had to take the defensive option, which is definitely not his playing style. Pant was clearly struggling to defense but the left-handed batter tried his best to handle the situation.

Rishabh Pant received multiple blows to his body 

During his hard-fought innings, Pant faced multiple deliveries on his body. Mitchell Starc’s one delivery hit Pant’s left bicep, which put a bruise. Later, Pant got a blow on his helmet in Starc’s another delivery. Also, Scott Boland’s one delivery hit Pant’s uncomfortable area. Despite several hits on the body, Pant fought hard. 

Rishabh Pant took a number of heavy hits to the body.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/TdyJ1qhm9C

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025

Pant and Jadeja set a valuable 48-run partnership for the fifth wicket before Pant was dismissed by Boland for 40 runs off 98 balls.​

Rishabh Pant scored a lot of 20s in the ongoing Australia tour

In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, while the Indian batters failed to fight against the Aussie bowlers, Pant scored 21, 28, 9, 28, and 30 runs before scoring 40 runs in the first innings of the ongoing Sydney Test. Although he got some starts, including some patience knocks, he lost his wickets in important times.