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

A Disappointing Campaign for LSG

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) concluded their IPL 2026 campaign in the most dismal fashion imaginable. A heavy defeat at the hands of the Punjab Kings on Saturday served as the final nail in the coffin, anchoring the franchise to the very bottom of the points table. For a team with such high aspirations, winning only four out of 14 matches is a statistic that screams for an immediate overhaul.

Central to these discussions is the performance of captain Rishabh Pant. With the team finishing on just eight points, the leadership tenure of one of India’s most dynamic cricketers has come under intense scrutiny, with many experts wondering if the burden of the captaincy is stifling his natural talent.

The Statistical Reality of the Struggles

The numbers paint a bleak picture for the partnership between Pant and the Lucknow franchise. Over the last two seasons, Pant has led the side in 28 matches, enduring 18 losses. More concerning is the team’s inability to qualify for the Playoffs during his tenure. Beyond the collective failure, Pant’s individual form has suffered a significant decline. Scoring only 312 runs at an average of 28.36, he has struggled to find the fluency and impact that made him a superstar in the first place.

Ambati Rayudu’s Critical Advice

Former Indian international Ambati Rayudu has been vocal about his assessment of the situation. Rayudu believes that Pant’s attempt to emulate the leadership style of MS Dhoni is fundamentally flawed for his current environment. While Dhoni’s instinct-based captaincy was a hallmark of his success with Chennai Super Kings, Rayudu argues that the same approach is backfiring for Pant at Lucknow.

“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 noted. The former batter suggests that the best path forward for Pant is to relinquish the leadership role entirely and focus on his primary strengths as a wicketkeeper-batter.

Why the Dhoni Model is Proving Difficult to Replicate

MS Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the greatest tactical minds in the history of the sport. However, his brand of instinctive leadership relies on a unique synergy between the captain and the team culture. Even history suggests that the “Dhoni model” is not a plug-and-play solution. During his time with the Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017, the franchise moved away from his leadership, eventually handing the reins to Steve Smith—a move that highlights how even the most brilliant leaders face systemic hurdles in new environments.

Critics have pointed to several areas where Pant’s leadership has faltered:

• Confusing field placements during critical phases of the game.
• Erratic bowling rotation in the death overs.
• Questionable decision-making regarding the use of the Impact Player rule.
• Inconsistent DRS usage that has cost the team vital opportunities.

The Burden of Expectations

One cannot overlook the psychological weight of the price tag. As the most expensive player in IPL history, secured for Rs 27 crore ahead of the 2025 season, the expectations placed upon Pant were astronomical. This financial pressure, combined with the struggles of the team, appears to have weighed heavily on him. Tom Moody, the LSG Director of Cricket, recently confirmed that the franchise is in the process of a comprehensive review. “When it comes to the leadership of the franchise, that is something we will be giving very serious consideration to in terms of what it looks like in the future,” Moody stated.

Moving Forward: Freedom Over Responsibility

Rishabh Pant remains one of the most naturally gifted players in the modern game. His aggressive, fearless approach has defined his career and won India countless matches. However, the captaincy currently appears to be acting as a barrier to that freedom. By stepping away from the leadership role, Pant could potentially rediscover the rhythm and confidence that once made him the most feared batter in the league. Returning to his core roles of keeping wickets and batting could be the spark needed to revitalize his career and help him regain his status as a match-winner for both club and country.