Rishabh Pant fires up LSG camp with strong message ahead of IPL 2026: ‘If we don’t talk about cricket’

Rishabh Pant called on his LSG teammates to strengthen their bond and keep communication open within the group.

Updated on: Mar 13, 2026, 19:25:37 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Rishabh Pant returns in the colours of Lucknow Super Giants with renewed determination to help the franchise end its wait for an IPL title while also chasing his own first trophy in the league. Pant was roped in by Lucknow last season for a record-breaking INR 27 crore, but the campaign did not unfold the way either the player or the team had hoped. The wicketkeeper batter managed 269 runs in 14 matches, with an unbeaten 118 standing out as his best effort. He finished the season with a strike rate of 133.16, numbers that fell short of the lofty expectations around him as Lucknow ended up seventh on the table.

Rishabh Pant had a forgettable last season. (AFP)

Ahead of the new season, Lucknow have reshaped their squad by bringing in Wanindu Hasaranga, Anrich Nortje, Josh Inglis and several young prospects, while also securing the services of Arjun Tendulkar and Mohammed Shami through trades.

During a training session ahead of the new season, Pant called on his LSG teammates to strengthen their bond and keep communication open within the group. Speaking to the squad, the skipper underlined the value of exchanging ideas and learning from one another, adding that such conversations are vital if the team wants to grow together and create the right environment in the dressing room.

“A lot of people are from last year. A few new faces for sure. Welcome, everyone. Let’s look to build the relationships. If we don’t talk about cricket, we’re not going to improve. As an individual, let’s take whatever we can from all these gentlemen here and try to build something for this season to look forward to," Pant said in a video on LSG's social media channel.

“Let’s create something”: Rishabh Pant

Pant also spoke about the importance of entering a new campaign with clear goals, urging players to reflect on what they want to achieve both individually and as a unit.

“When we come into a season, every time there is a thought in our mind that lets’s build something; let’s look to win. But at the same time to be clear in your thought process, what do you want to do? What do you want to achieve as an individual and as a team… And this is the best time to have that clarity. This is kind of a season camp, but still a pre-season camp because the rest of the squad will join from March 15-16, mostly," he added.

The LSG skipper also emphasised the need for players to spend time together and build a positive atmosphere within the group during the early days of the camp.

“So it’s just getting to know each other. Let’s spend a good time with each other and have a great time, yeah? Let’s keep communicating. Lots of energy. Lots of fun. Lots of learning. Let’s create something," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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