Rishabh Pant Warned Against Following MS Dhoni With LSG Captaincy At Stake

The Crisis at Lucknow Super Giants

The conclusion of the IPL 2026 season has brought a wave of uncertainty to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) camp. After suffering yet another heavy defeat against the Punjab Kings, the team found themselves anchored to the bottom of the points table. With only four wins from 14 matches, the campaign was undeniably a nightmare for the franchise and its captain, Rishabh Pant. The disappointing performance has triggered intense speculation regarding the future of the leadership, as the management looks to rebuild for the upcoming cycle.

Rishabh Pant Warned Against Following MS Dhoni With LSG Captaincy At Stake

The core of the current debate centers on whether Rishabh Pant is suited for the rigors of captaincy. Since taking the reins at Lucknow, Pant has led the team in 28 matches, recording 18 losses. Compounding this, the franchise has failed to secure a playoff spot in two consecutive seasons. Beyond the team’s collective struggle, Pant’s individual form has suffered significantly, with the star wicketkeeper-batter managing only 312 runs at an average of 28.36—a stark decline from his usual high standards.

The Ambati Rayudu Perspective

Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu has offered a blunt assessment of the situation, suggesting that Pant’s attempt to mirror the captaincy style of his idol, MS Dhoni, is counterproductive. Rayudu noted that while Dhoni’s instinctive leadership is legendary, it relies on a specific environment and a particular type of rapport with the coaching staff that may not exist at LSG.

“His idol has always been MS Dhoni. We have seen him talk about him, and MS Dhoni’s captaincy is very, very similar. He is very instinctive, so he might be following that path, which the coaching staff might not be compatible with,” Rayudu remarked. He further emphasized that the pressure of leadership appears to be stifling Pant’s natural flair, urging the management and the player to reconsider the current arrangement to allow him to simply perform as a specialist player.

The Myth of the Instinctive Captain

While MS Dhoni’s success with the Chennai Super Kings is unparalleled, Rayudu pointed out a historical precedent: even Dhoni faced challenges when his instinctive style didn’t align with franchise expectations, notably during his time with the Rising Pune Supergiants. This serves as a cautionary tale for any player attempting to replicate the ‘Captain Cool’ model without the necessary support system.

The critique of Pant’s captaincy extends beyond style. Throughout the 2026 season, analysts identified recurring issues, including:

• Questionable field placements during crucial phases.
• Confusion regarding bowling rotations in the death overs.
• Inconsistent use of the Impact Player rule.
• Struggles with DRS (Decision Review System) calls.

The weight of being the most expensive player in IPL history—having been acquired for Rs 27 crore—likely added an invisible burden, impacting his decision-making process under pressure.

The Path Forward for LSG

LSG Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, has confirmed that the franchise will conduct a rigorous review of their leadership structure before the 2027 season. The realization is dawning that despite Pant’s undeniable talent, the dual responsibility of captaincy and elite batting is currently not yielding results.

For Rishabh Pant, moving away from the captaincy might be the most liberating path to regaining his batting rhythm. By stripping away the tactical burdens that seem to hamper his natural game, he could rediscover the aggressive, free-flowing cricket that made him a global superstar. As the franchise prepares for the future, the focus shifts to whether the management will prioritize a change at the top to salvage the career of one of India’s most dynamic talents. Whether Pant remains the face of the franchise or a new leader is appointed, the decision will be pivotal in shaping the destiny of the Lucknow Super Giants in the years to come.