LSG to Consider Captaincy Reset After Disappointing IPL 2026 Finish

LSG Mulls Leadership Overhaul After Back-to-Back Struggles

Following a disappointing end to IPL 2026, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are preparing for a serious review of their team leadership. With consecutive bottom-half finishes — No. 7 in 2025 and now in the bottom two in 2026 — global director of cricket Tom Moody has confirmed that a potential captaincy reset is on the table.

Under Rishabh Pant‘s leadership, LSG have won just 10 of 28 matches across two seasons, a record that has raised growing concerns within the franchise. Moody did not mince words after their final match, a defeat to the Punjab Kings, stating that the team’s performance has fallen short of expectations.

“From a captaincy point of view, you know, he’s found it challenging, obviously, and the results reflect that,” Moody said. “And you do have to wonder whether that is a pressure that is reflected with his performance with the bat.”

Pant’s Struggles Continue

Once hailed for his aggressive flair and explosive batting during standout seasons in 2018 and 2019, Pant has failed to replicate that form consistently in the orange jersey. Over his two seasons with LSG, he’s accumulated 581 runs at a strike rate of 135.74 — numbers that, while not poor, fall below his career benchmarks in both average and scoring rate.

Moody acknowledged the difficulty of balancing leadership with personal performance, especially under the intense scrutiny of the IPL. “This season has been a difficult season for us,” he added. “We will reflect on it, we’ll take time, we’ll reflect on it. We’ll consider all things.”

Leadership Pressures Mount

Pant himself has previously voiced concerns about decision-making within the leadership group, citing “too many minds” involved during crucial moments of the season. That lack of clarity could have contributed to inconsistent strategies on the field and a disjointed team approach.

The sentiment was echoed by head coach Justin Langer, who expressed disappointment post-match but stopped short of singling out any individual. Moody reinforced this unified stance, emphasizing collective accountability.

“I think we’re all responsible [for the disappointing season],” Moody said. “I don’t think it’s a time to point the finger at any individual. I think we all take accountability, and now’s not the time to be apportioning blame in any particular department. We all need time to reflect on it in a calm manner, but there’s certain things that we do need to address, and will be addressed.”

A Pattern of Leadership Shakeup?

If Pant is indeed relieved of the captaincy, he would not be the first high-profile leader to exit LSG under uncertain circumstances. KL Rahul, the franchise’s original captain across their first three seasons, departed reportedly unhappy with the team environment, seeking what he described as a “lighter” and more positive atmosphere elsewhere.

That history adds context to the current situation. LSG’s management may now be weighing whether a fresh leadership voice — whether in the form of a new captain or a restructured support system — could reignite the team’s potential.

What Lies Ahead

No immediate decisions have been announced, and the franchise plans to conduct a thorough off-season review before making any official moves. However, Moody’s comments make one thing clear: business as usual is not an option.

“Certainly we haven’t lived up to the expectation or the standard that we expect of ourselves,” he said. “And certainly when it comes to the leadership of the franchise, it’s certainly something that we’ll be taking some very serious consideration to.”

For fans hoping for a turnaround, the message is clear — change may be coming. Whether it’s in captaincy, coaching, or culture, Lucknow Super Giants appear ready to hit the reset button in pursuit of the success they’ve long promised but never delivered.