Lucknow Super Giants Coach Justin Langer Backs Rishabh Pant Amid Form Concerns, Reveals Stunning Practice Knock
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer came out in strong support of skipper Rishabh Pant following the team’s disappointing loss to the Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2026 clash on Monday. The defeat left LSG rooted to the bottom of the points table with just two wins in eight matches, putting their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy.
The spotlight, however, remained firmly on Pant—both for his form and his leadership decisions. The LSG captain has struggled with the bat this season and has drawn scrutiny for frequently reshuffling the batting order. Against Mumbai, Pant experimented again, promoting Josh Inglis to open alongside Mitchell Marsh, while Nicholas Pooran slotted in at number three.
Pant himself came in at number four but could only manage 15 runs, continuing his underwhelming run. However, Langer revealed that the wicketkeeper-batter had shown exceptional form just days earlier in a practice match.
“We played a practice game here two days ago, and Rishi scored around 95 off 30 or 40 balls. You watch that and think, ‘That’s Rishabh Pant at his very best,’” Langer said, highlighting the contrast between Pant’s practice form and match performances.
The coach also shed light on Pant’s decision to bat lower down the order, calling it a selfless move aimed at maximizing the team’s batting strength. The strategy initially paid off, with Pooran delivering a blistering 63 off just 21 balls and putting the opposition under pressure.
“He moved himself down to allow Nicky P to bat higher. That’s the kind of team-first approach he brings,” Langer explained, adding that Pant remains close to rediscovering his best form.
Beyond his batting struggles, Pant has also faced questions about the immense expectations that come with his record-breaking ₹27 crore price tag—the highest in IPL history after his move from the Delhi Capitals. Langer, however, dismissed the notion that money is affecting the player’s performances.
“Honestly, I don’t think the price tag has anything to do with it. Leadership itself is a tough role. He’s carrying the responsibility of the team, and that naturally comes with pressure,” he said.
Langer emphasized that Pant continues to handle the burden with resilience and a positive attitude, even during difficult phases. “He does it with a smile most of the time. Of course, there are moments when it’s tough, but he’s working hard and chipping away. He’s already played a match-winning knock this season, and we know what he’s capable of.”
As LSG’s campaign hangs by a thread, the franchise will be hoping their captain can translate his practice brilliance into match-winning performances. With only a handful of games remaining, Pant’s form and leadership could prove decisive in determining how LSG finish their IPL 2026 season.
