3 reasons why LSG signing Rishabh Pant at IPL 2025 Auction is the right move

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made a record signing at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction by roping in wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant for a whopping INR 27 crore, making him the costliest player in the history of the league.

As was expected, several teams went after Pant in an intense bidding war. The price kept soaring for Pant. While the Delhi Capitals looked to use the RTM option, LSG came up with a record bid that eventually brought Pant into their side.

Last IPL, Pant made a solid comeback, scoring 446 runs from 13 games with an average of 40.54 and a strike-rate of 155.40. The inclusion of Pant comes as a massive boost for the Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the 2025 season.

With the record bid, here are three reasons why LSG signing Rishabh Pant at the IPL 2025 auction is the right move.

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#3 Rishabh Pant has an impressive IPL record

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, returning from injury last season, had a successful season with the bat, scoring 446 runs from 13 matches. He has been a consistent run-scorer in the last few seasons.

Pant scored 340 runs in 2022, 419 runs in 2021, and 343 runs in the 2020 season. Overall, he has played 111 IPL games and has amassed 3284 runs with a strike-rate of 148.93.

Pant has scored one hundred and has 18 half-centuries as well. His fearless batting approach has made him a top-quality player in the T20 format.

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#2 Pant is the ideal wicket-keeper and captaincy choice for LSG

The Lucknow Super Giants were in search of a captain to lead the side after the release of former skipper KL Rahul. Pant has previous experience of leading in the IPL, captaining the Delhi Capitals.

Therefore, Lucknow have solved their captaincy conundrum with Pant's signing. With the release of Rahul and Quinton de Kock, they also needed a solid wicket-keeper batter.

Pant fulfils both requirements. He has a decent record in the league as a wicket-keeper as well. In 111 games, he has taken 75 catches and affected 23 stumpings. Pant has worked hard and significantly improved his skills behind the stumps as well, bringing additional value.

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#1 Pant provides much-needed firepower in the middle order

Lucknow Super Giants managed to win only seven games last IPL and finished seventh as their campaign fell apart after a decent start. Their batting seemed to lack firepower and they suffered crucial defeats.

While they retained the hard-hitting Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant can prove to be the perfect player to accompany him in their middle order. Pant is known for his fearless approach and has all the shots in his repertoire. He is known for taking on the bowling and scoring at a quick pace.

Pant can also play the role of a finisher in the team and provide them with the boost they need as far as their batting is concerned.