IPL 2026: 'Results reflect that Pant has found captaincy challenging,' says Moody
Lucknow, May 24
Lucknow Super Giants' Director of Cricket Tom Moody acknowledged that captain Rishabh Pant finds the leadership role 'challenging,' which has contributed to the team's poor performances and indicated that the management may consider bringing a change in leadership before the next season.
LSG wrapped up their IPL 2026 campaign at their home ground Ekana Cricket Stadium, on Saturday with yet another heavy defeat, a result that kept Punjab Kings alive in the race for a Playoffs berth.
It marked LSG's 10th loss of the season, condemning Pant and his side to a last-place finish on the points table and intensifying questions over the skipper's future with the franchise.
Since the start of last season, Pant has led Lucknow in 28 games, suffering defeat in 18 of them, while the team has missed out on Playoffs qualification in consecutive editions. The disappointing results have mirrored Pant's struggles with the bat as well, with the wicketkeeper-batter managing just 312 runs this year at an average of 28.36.
"From a captaincy point of view, you know, he's found it challenging, obviously, and the results reflect that. And you do have to wonder whether that is a pressure that is reflected with his performance with the bat. I know that this season has been a difficult season for us, but we will reflect on it, we'll take time, we'll reflect on it. We'll consider all things," Moody said at the press conference after LSG's loss to PBKS.
"But certainly we haven't lived up to the expectation or the standard that we expect of ourselves. 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, you know, what it looks like in the future. Like every department, when you do reflect on a season, we will be making some considered decisions, but it certainly looks like that we're needing to consider a reset," he added.
Despite the underwhelming campaign, Moody stressed that the team's bottom-placed finish could not be pinned on one individual, describing it instead as a failure across the entire setup.
"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," he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I feel bad for Rishabh. After that accident, he's shown incredible courage just to be on the field. Captaincy pressure is clearly affecting his batting. Give him a break from leadership, let him focus on his game. We need Pant the batsman back! 💪
Tom Moody saying 'we all take accountability' is just corporate speak. The team selection has been questionable all season - playing foreign players out of position, poor bowling changes. Management has to share the blame. Pant is 27, not 37. Give him time!
As an outsider looking in, it's clear Pant is struggling with the dual role. His shot selection has been poor, and he seems lost in the field. LSG needs a calm head like Dhoni or a tactical mind like Kohli. Bring in a seasoned captain for next season.
Honestly, this is on the franchise. They bought Pant for 20 crore, made him captain, and expected miracles. He's a match-winner with the bat, not a strategist. Look at how GT handled Hardik - they let him just play. LSG management needs to learn from that.
Moody is right to say it's not one person's fault. Poor auction planning, injuries, and bad luck all contributed. But Pant's captaincy has been genuinely poor - bowling changes at wrong times, field placements not working. Maybe he needs a mentor like Dhoni or Gambhir. 🤔
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