Rishabh Pant (Photo Source: X)

Franchise owner, mentor, coach tell TOI that wicket-keeper’s positive mindset can lift team
NEW DELHI: As Rishabh Pant became the most expensive cricketer in IPL history, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) management revealed that they invested in his positive character when they decided to pay Rs 27 crore for him on Sunday.
“Pant was our No. 1 target going into the auction.We planned our auction strategy around him. We looked at the kind of impact he has on a game, proven match-winner, his positive outlook and resilience,” Sanjeev Goenka told TOI from Jeddah after Pant’s bid.
IPL 2025 Auction
“He is a fighter. What he brings to the table is well established. It was a unanimous decision between Zaheer (Khan), (Justin) Langer, Shashwat (Goenka) and me. All our buys so far have been match-winners,” added Goenka.
For LSG mentor Zaheer, it is a bet on Pant’s evolution as a leader who can infuse positivity in a group. “I have seen him when I was in Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) and he started his IPL journey. The way he has evolved as a cricketer is remarkable. His understanding of the game has grown. He thinks about the game. I had noticed the spark in him when he was a 19-year-old in Delhi,” Zaheer said.

Pant has often been subjected to criticism for his flamboyant brand of game. “He can react to the various situations of a game. He has done a lot of special things in his career. I think this is the right time for him to go one step up as a leader. His positive mindset can have a big impact on a team,” Zaheer added before offering a clarification: “We haven’t decided on the captaincy yet. But then he is always a leader. Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi and David Miller are all expected to be part of the leadership group.”

Head coach Langer, who has seen him closely during India’s previous two tours Down Under, reckoned Pant’s attitude off the field is special. “I have seen him in Australia. The ability on the field aside, he is a character that can lift a team,” said the Aussie.
“I haven’t spoken to him much. But I’ll go to Adelaide for the second Test, give him a hug and root for Australia,” he laughed.
Once a player is paid such a hefty amount, there is always an added pressure of delivering results. “Just wait and see how the season unfolds and how we help him de-stress,” Goenka quipped.