Lucknow: Rishabh Pant is set to bat at number three for Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming IPL 2026 season, a move that could define both his leadership tenure and his future in India’s T20 plans.

With the tournament beginning on March 28, the stakes are particularly high for Pant, who is entering his second season as LSG captain after being bought for a record ₹27 crore at the 2025 mega auction.

Crucial season for Pant’s T20 future

Pant’s position in India’s T20 setup remains uncertain despite being a key figure in the Test side. Since India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, he has found himself out of the shortest format, with strong performances from Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan making competition intense.

Additionally, KL Rahul continues to be preferred as a wicketkeeping option in ODIs, leaving Pant with limited opportunities outside Test cricket.

A strong IPL season could therefore be crucial for Pant to regain relevance in India’s T20 plans and re-establish himself as a multi-format player.

Shift to number three role

Last season, Pant primarily batted at number four but moved himself up to number three towards the latter half of the tournament. However, the change came too late to significantly impact LSG’s campaign.

This year, the team management, led by head coach Justin Langer, appears to have finalised Pant’s role at number three from the outset. The top order is expected to feature Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Pant, forming a stable core.

This shift also allows players like Nicholas Pooran to move into more flexible middle-order roles, providing tactical depth.

Batting form under scrutiny

Pant’s performance last season raised concerns, as he scored 269 runs at a modest strike rate of 133.17. Notably, 118 of those runs came in a single innings, highlighting inconsistency.

With expectations high due to his price tag and leadership role, Pant will need to deliver consistently both as a run-scorer and as a captain guiding the team through pressure situations.

Balanced squad but bowling concerns remain

While LSG’s batting lineup appears settled, questions remain over the bowling unit. Injuries to key pacers such as Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan affected the team last season.

Other pace options include Avesh Khan and Anrich Nortje, both of whom have faced fitness challenges in the past.

Team sources indicate that while Mayank Yadav has regained fitness, he requires more match practice to return to peak form. The final bowling combinations are still being worked out ahead of the season.

External pressure and expectations

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has identified Pant as one of the players under the most pressure this IPL.

He pointed out that Pant’s dual role as captain and key batter adds to the expectations, especially after a disappointing previous season where both individual and team performances fell short.

According to du Plessis, scoring runs will be crucial for Pant to ease the pressure, but overall team success will also play a significant role in shaping perceptions.

Season opener and preparations

LSG have been preparing through training camps, initially in Chennai and now at their home ground in Lucknow. They are set to begin their campaign against Delhi Capitals on April 1.

The team is banking on a strong start to build momentum and improve on last season’s performance.

Conclusion

IPL 2026 presents a defining moment for Rishabh Pant. With a fixed batting role, leadership responsibilities, and national selection implications at stake, the season could shape the next phase of his career. A successful campaign may not only justify his price tag but also pave the way for his return to India’s T20 setup.