Lucknow: Justin Langer has delivered a strong vote of confidence in Rishabh Pant ahead of Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener against Delhi Capitals, stating that the skipper looks aggressive, confident and ready to turn things around this season.
Pant, who endured a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign with the bat, enters the new season under pressure to reclaim his place in India’s white-ball setup. However, Langer believes the wicketkeeper-batter is showing all the right signs of resurgence.
Langer impressed with Pant’s mindset
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Lucknow, Langer highlighted Pant’s positive approach and competitive spirit.
“Well, Rishabh Pant is at his best. He is smiling, he is competitive, throwing punches and being aggressive,” Langer said.
He also referenced Pant’s standout knock against Royal Challengers Bengaluru last season, underlining the left-hander’s ability to produce match-winning performances under pressure.
According to Langer, Pant is surrounded by a strong support system at LSG, which could help him rediscover his best form.
High stakes season for India comeback
Pant’s IPL 2026 campaign is being widely viewed as crucial for his international future, particularly in white-ball formats. With intense competition from players like KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, the pressure to perform is immense.
India’s recent success on the global stage has only made selection tougher, a point Langer emphasised.
“India just won a World Cup. Try being an Indian selector or a coach, you could have three international teams,” he remarked, pointing to the depth of talent in the country.
Despite the competition, Langer believes such pressure is healthy and necessary for players to bring out their best.
Pant’s mixed record in white-ball cricket
While Pant has cemented his reputation as a match-winner in Tests, his numbers in limited-overs formats have been inconsistent.
In T20 Internationals, Pant has scored 1,209 runs in 66 innings at an average of 23.25 and a strike rate of 127.26, with three half-centuries. In ODIs, he has registered 871 runs in 31 matches at an average of 33.50, including one century and five fifties.
His last ODI appearance came against Sri Lanka national cricket team in August 2024, where he managed just six runs.
These numbers underline the challenge ahead as Pant looks to re-establish himself as a first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in India’s limited-overs squads.
Redemption arc in IPL 2026
Pant’s earlier IPL seasons with Delhi Capitals in 2017 and 2018 had catapulted him into stardom, thanks to his fearless stroke play. However, last season saw a dip in form, with just 269 runs, including an unbeaten 118 against RCB.
Now leading LSG and backed by inputs from former India star Yuvraj Singh during training, Pant is aiming for a strong comeback.
LSG have invested heavily in him, making him the most expensive player in IPL history at ₹27 crore, further underlining the expectations riding on his shoulders.
Langer embraces pressure
Langer, meanwhile, made it clear that pressure is an inherent part of elite sport and leadership.
“There is pressure every season, but I have had pressure on me for 30 years. I love it, and there should be pressure,” he said.
Drawing from his extensive experience as both a player and coach, Langer expressed confidence in handling expectations and guiding his team through challenging situations.
Conclusion
As Lucknow Super Giants prepare to face Delhi Capitals, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant. Backed strongly by his coach and armed with renewed intent, the IPL 2026 season presents a defining opportunity for the dynamic left-hander.
If Pant can translate his aggressive mindset into consistent performances, he could not only revive his IPL fortunes but also force his way back into India’s white-ball plans.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)