Rishabh Pant etched his name into IPL history on Sunday by turning out to be the costliest buy in the league's history at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah after Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) picked him up for whopping Rs 27 crore.
The acquisition was a strategic masterstroke by LSG, who were in search of an experienced leader to guide their squad. Shashwat Goenka, the son of LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, shared the franchise's satisfaction after bagging the former Delhi Capitals' captain.
"Getting someone like Rishabh Pant in the team, I think everybody came with that thought and it was in our bucket list too, so yes it was a good buy yesterday for us. No thoughts of money at all with Rishabh, he was on our radar as we are looking for an experienced captain, and Rishabh has done that in the past, but still, I think we have time to decide who will lead the team. Our priority will be someone who can play all the matches and guide team well," Shashwat told IANS over the phone.
LSG did not take long to raise the paddle for Pant to start the bidding battle. The franchise was clearly out to go all the way. It was soon joined by Royal Challengers Bangalore as every increase in the figure only added to the overall price. As the figure rose past Rs 20 crore, it became clear that Pant's worth exceeded merely the batting and wicket-keeping skills.
The Rs 27 crore deal that Pant clinched broke not only the previous IPL record of Mitchell Starc (Rs 24.75 crore in IPL 2024), but also eclipsed the Rs 26.75 crore deal that Shreyas Iyer signed with Punjab Kings earlier the same day. Both Pant and Iyer are expected to assume captaincy roles for their franchises and bring stability and vision to desperate teams.
Shashwat explained that this record-shattering bid was the result of much strategic planning and said, "This was well within our plan. It wasn't about hitting a magic number; it was about ensuring we secured Pant, even if it meant leaving no room for the RTM (Right to Match) card to be exercised."
Pant's IPL credentials are unadulterated. For his 111 matches in the IPL, he has scored 3,284 runs with 18 half-centuries and a hundred to his name while striking at a rate of 147.97. Not just a batsman, his three seasons as captain for the Delhi Capitals showed him to be the leader who could raise the stakes under pressure, stabilize young talent, and build a winning culture.
Delhi Capitals released Pant ahead of the mega auction, and he soon emerged as the most coveted player in the IPL this year. The way he's been able to influence a game with the bat and gloves makes him a perfect fit for LSG, who are building a team with a robust core and clear vision for the future.
"We are seeking an experienced captain, and Rishabh fits that role perfectly. However, we have time to decide who will formally lead the team. We want to find someone who can lead the team effectively and play all matches," Shashwat highlighted Pant's potential as a leader.
LSG with Pant now seems to look at improving other areas that can make a difference. The franchise is particularly looking to strengthen their bowling lineup and the spin department in particular.
"We will target a few youngsters and bowlers in the remaining rounds. Middle order is set with David Miller, Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran. Now, it's time to reinforce our bowling, especially with a couple of quality spinners," Shashwat said.
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