Rishabh Pant’s leadership style for the upcoming IPL 2025 season with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is already setting a bold, refreshing tone. The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter, known for his fearless strokeplay and charismatic presence on the field, seems determined to instill the same audacious mindset into his new team. After a high-profile move to LSG for a jaw-dropping Rs 27 crore in the mega-auction — following his surprising decision not to be retained by Delhi Capitals — Pant has made it abundantly clear that his captaincy will revolve around empowerment, freedom, unity, and a relentless pursuit of victory.
In a video shared by LSG on their X handle, Pant was seen passionately addressing his squad in a pre-season pep talk. His message was not just about tactics or technique; it was about culture — creating an atmosphere where players feel liberated to play their natural game without the fear of failure weighing them down. His belief is rooted in the idea that freedom fuels confidence, and confidence leads to fearless, match-winning cricket.
"We want to create a place where people can come and express themselves. It is just a very simple idea. It is easier to say than to do it because it requires a lot of effort from each and every individual. It is not just the management, I think it is because of the players we can create that environment," Pant explained, emphasizing that this approach requires collective effort — from the management, the senior players, and the younger ones alike.
Pant’s journey from a flamboyant batter to a thoughtful, emotionally invested leader has been nothing short of inspiring, especially considering his remarkable comeback from a life-threatening car accident that left his cricketing future uncertain. His determination, resilience, and unwavering self-belief saw him through an intense recovery period, and his new role at LSG symbolizes a fresh, powerful chapter in his cricketing journey — one where he not only leads by example but also shapes the team’s ethos and culture.
In his heartfelt address, Pant made a special appeal to the senior players — including Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, and David Miller — to take the younger talents under their wing. He acknowledged the invaluable role that seasoned international stars can play in grooming emerging players, believing that the right mix of youthful energy and veteran wisdom could be the key to LSG’s success.
"I feel there is a lot of experience in the group. I think management has a lot of experience. We have a lot of senior players, Nikky P (Nicholas Pooran) is there, (Aiden) Makram is there, (David) Miller is there. I think a lot more are there. Just keep sharing your experience with the younger guys and let that experience flow in this group. I think that is something we can learn a lot from all the senior guys. And just take it forward one day at a time, just giving your 100 per cent, keeping the best interest of the team without even thinking that our team will back you or not," Pant urged, his voice filled with conviction.
That final line — "without even thinking that our team will back you or not" — stands out as a raw, personal reflection of Pant’s own career journey. He’s endured his fair share of criticism, doubts, and setbacks, yet each time, he’s found a way to rise stronger and more determined than before. It’s evident he wants his players to adopt that same resilient mindset — to play with the same audacity that has defined his career, to silence critics not with words but with unforgettable performances.
Pant’s leadership style echoes the qualities of some of the IPL’s most iconic captains — blending MS Dhoni’s calm, composed assurance with Virat Kohli’s fiery, passionate drive. However, Pant’s vision brings its own unique, personal touch: he wants his players to feel liberated but accountable, fearless but united, and audacious but disciplined.
This vision comes at a crucial time for LSG. The franchise has shown promise in previous seasons but has fallen short of the ultimate prize. With Pant at the helm — a player who knows the value of comebacks and thrives under pressure — there’s a palpable sense of belief that this might be their year. His charisma, coupled with his tactical acumen and unshakable faith in his squad, could turn LSG into a formidable, unpredictable powerhouse.
Pant himself will also have a point to prove. He’s no longer just the young daredevil batter who plays audacious reverse scoops and one-handed sixes. He’s a leader now, a mentor, and a symbol of resilience. The IPL 2025 season isn’t just about winning matches for Pant — it’s about creating a legacy, about transforming LSG into a team that embodies the same fearlessness and passion that defines him.
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Pant and his LSG squad. With a powerful batting lineup, a balanced bowling attack, experienced international stars, and a captain determined to cultivate an expressive, fearless, and winning brand of cricket, LSG might just be the team to watch this season. If Pant’s leadership off the field translates into performances on it, Lucknow Super Giants could very well be on the cusp of their best-ever IPL campaign — driven by freedom, experience, resilience, and an unwavering belief that no target is too big, no opponent too tough, and no dream too far out of reach.
