Pant motivates LSG squad ahead of IPL 2026

March 13, 2026

New Delhi: Rishabh Pant, captain of Lucknow Super Giants, shared a pep talk with the new joinees in the franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026, saying that “let’s take whatever we can from all these gentlemen here and try to build something for this season.”

New players join LSG squad

During the mini auction held last December, LSG signed six players; Sri Lankan sensation Wanindu Hasaranga, South African Anrich Nortje, Mukul Choudhary, local boy Naman Tiwari, Akshat Raghuwanshi and Josh Inglis, to complete their squad with a blend of experience and potential. They also traded Arjun Tendulkar from Mumbai Indians and Indian pacer Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Pant stresses communication and bonding

“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 shared by LSG.

Learning from last season’s performance

Pant-led LSG only managed six wins. Despite hitting an unbeaten 118 in LSG’s final league game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it didn’t help the side’s cause as they finished seventh in the points table.

“When we come into a season, every time there is a thought in our mind that let’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.

IPL 2026 campaign begins April 1

“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,” Pant concluded.

LSG will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Punjab Kings on April 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. They will then travel to Hyderabad for their game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5.