“Not working”: Former MI head coach urged Rishabh Pant to give up leadership rol – Not working”: Former MI head coach urged Rishabh Pant to give up leadership role

The Pressure of Leadership: Rishabh Pant at a Crossroads

The Indian Premier League is a crucible of talent, and for Rishabh Pant, the last two seasons with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have proven to be an incredibly challenging period. Following consecutive disastrous campaigns for the franchise, voices from within the cricketing fraternity are growing louder, suggesting that the burden of captaincy is hindering the star player’s primary contribution: his explosive batting. The consensus seems to be that “Not working”: Former MI head coach urged Rishabh Pant to give up leadership rol for the sake of his professional career revival.

The Statistical Reality of Pant’s Recent Form

During the 2026 IPL season, Rishabh Pant featured in 14 matches, accumulating 312 runs at a strike rate of 138. While these figures represent a marginal improvement over his previous season, they remain far below the lofty standards set by the dynamic left-hander. Pant, who was acquired by LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka for a staggering INR 27 crores, was expected to be the cornerstone of the batting lineup. Much like the impact expected of players like Shreyas Iyer for their respective sides, Pant was signed to lead with both his tactical acumen and his willow.

However, the results have not materialized. Having led LSG in 28 matches across two seasons, Pant managed to secure only 10 victories, resulting in a win percentage of approximately 35.71%. The 2026 season was particularly painful for the franchise, as the Super Giants finished at the very bottom of the points table with only eight points to their name.

Mark Boucher’s Blunt Verdict

Former South African wicketkeeper and ex-Mumbai Indians head coach Mark Boucher did not mince his words when discussing Pant’s situation on ESPNcricinfo Timeout. Boucher’s assessment highlights a fundamental disconnect between the player’s natural game and the responsibilities bestowed upon him.

“Rishabh Pant, the cricketer and his leadership are not working together. We have seen that for a couple of seasons now. He hasn’t produced what he is expected to produce,” Boucher stated. He emphasized that some players require a more methodical approach to captaincy that might clash with their natural instincts. Boucher added, “We all want to see Pant hitting the ball all over the ground. If the captaincy is getting in the way, then get rid of the captaincy.”

Ambati Rayudu Weighs In

The sentiment is echoed by former Chennai Super Kings stalwart Ambati Rayudu, who believes that the core issue lies in the compatibility between Pant’s personality and the tactical requirements of a captain. Rayudu noted that Pant is a player who relies heavily on instinct, which can clash with the methodical preparation required for leadership.

“Either you give him captaincy and let him be the way he is, or you don’t give him captaincy,” Rayudu argued. He suggested that Pant’s inability to change his personality overnight means he might be better served by simply focusing on his role as a specialist batter. “If that is not working, the best thing he can do is be a player and enjoy his cricket and perform for the team,” he concluded.

Looking Ahead: Can Pant Reclaim His Mojo?

The debate surrounding Rishabh Pant is not merely about leadership; it is about protecting one of India’s most talented match-winners. When a player of his caliber is burdened by the pressures of leading a struggling franchise, the ripple effects are felt in his batting rhythm and confidence. As the dust settles on IPL 2026, the management at LSG faces a difficult decision: continue with the current project or allow Pant the freedom to return to his roots. Ultimately, if the goal is to see the best version of Rishabh Pant once more, the experts believe that stepping away from the captaincy might be the most logical and necessary step forward.