Pant steps down as Lucknow captain

Rishabh Pant has given up the captaincy at Lucknow Super Giants after ​they finished bottom of the Indian ‌Premier League (IPL) for the first time, the franchise announced on Friday.

Wicketkeeper-batter Pant, who was ​picked up by Lucknow for a ​tournament-record USD3.21m in the player auction ⁠before the 2025 season, was appointed ​team captain in January.

But the India international struggled ​with inconsistent form as he oversaw a dismal campaign in which Lucknow won four of ​their 14 matches, missing out on ​the IPL playoffs for the third time in a ‌row.

Pant ⁠approached the franchise to be relieved of his captaincy duties and the team management have accepted the 28-year-old's request, ​Lucknow said ​in a ⁠statement.

"These decisions are never easy. We are grateful for everything ​Rishabh has brought to this ​dressing ⁠room as captain," said Tom Moody, the franchise's director of cricket.

"Our focus now ⁠is ​on the collective, rebuilding ​and restructuring to reach the best standards."