The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are at the center of a brewing storm in IPL 2025. With skipper Rishabh Pant under fire for his poor form and tactical blunders, fans and pundits are asking: Is Nicholas Pooran being groomed as LSG’s new leader? Franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka’s animated on-field chats with Pant and Pooran’s consistent performances have added fuel to the speculation.
Pant’s Struggles: Leadership & Batting Woes Collide
Rishabh Pant, once hailed as India’s next-gen captaincy prodigy, is facing unprecedented scrutiny. Acquired by LSG for a staggering ₹27 crore, Pant has managed just 17 runs in three matches, including a dismal 2-run outing against Punjab Kings. His tactical decisions have also backfired, notably in LSG’s 8-wicket loss to PBKS, where his bowling changes failed to contain Prabhsimran Singh (69 off 34) and Shreyas Iyer (52*).
After the defeat, Pant admitted, “We were 20-25 runs short,” but critics argue his timid batting approach and reluctance to promote hard-hitters like Pooran earlier in the innings cost LSG dearly. Social media erupted with memes dubbing him the “₹27 crore flop”, while fans drew parallels to KL Rahul’s turbulent LSG exit in 2024.
Goenka’s Heated Chats & the Shadow of KL Rahul
Sanjiv Goenka’s animated conversations with Pant post-loss have become a recurring theme. During LSG’s defeat to Punjab, cameras captured Goenka gesturing pointedly at Pant, reigniting memories of his infamous showdown with KL Rahul last season. While Goenka publicly backs Pant, calling him a “fearless leader whose best is yet to come”, his body language hints at simmering frustration.
In a telling statement, Goenka revealed, “The moment we knew Pant wasn’t retained by Delhi, we built LSG around him.” But with the team languishing in seventh place, patience is wearing thin.
Nicholas Pooran: The Silent Savior Eyeing the Throne?
Amid Pant’s struggles, Nicholas Pooran has emerged as LSG’s crisis man. The West Indian powerhouse rescued the team twice this season:
- 44 off 28 vs Punjab Kings, stitching a 65-run partnership with Ayush Badoni.
- Match-winning 67 vs SRH*, steering LSG to their sole victory.
Pooran’s calm demeanor, explosive batting, and prior captaincy experience with West Indies and SunRisers Hyderabad make him a natural leadership candidate. Fans have taken note, flooding social media with posts like: “Pooran is the real captain. Pant’s just a placeholder.”
Tactical Blunders: Pant’s Captaincy Under Microscope
Pant’s decision-making has raised eyebrows:
- Delayed Powerplay Utilization: Against PBKS, he held back Pooran until the 9th over despite early wickets.
- Bowling Missteps: Using part-timers during PBKS’ chase instead of frontline pacers.
- Unstable Batting Order: Promoting himself above in-form players like David Miller.
In contrast, Pooran’s proactive intent—whether accelerating the run rate or rotating strike—has stood out. His ability to marshal the middle order and mentor youngsters like Ayush Badoni highlights his leadership qualities.
Goenka’s Ultimatum: “Wake Up Fresh or Face Consequences”
After the PBKS loss, Goenka addressed the team: “You’re entitled to disappointment tonight. Tomorrow, wake up fresh… believe in yourselves.” While framed as encouragement, many interpret it as a veiled warning. LSG’s next match against Mumbai Indians is now a litmus test for Pant. Another loss could force Goenka’s hand, especially with Pooran waiting in the wings.
Fan Reactions: #PooranForCaptain Trends
Social media is split. Pant loyalists argue he deserves time, citing his comeback from a 2022 car accident. Others demand immediate change:
- “Pant’s a legend, but LSG needs a leader who can perform NOW.”
- “Pooran saved LSG twice. Give him the armband!”
The hashtag #PooranForCaptain has gained traction, with experts like Kevin Pietersen tweeting: “Pooran’s maturity could stabilize LSG. Tough call, but necessary.”
LSG’s Leadership Blueprint: Fearless or Flawed?
Goenka’s vision for LSG hinges on a “fearless, instinct-driven leader”. While Pant embodies this ethos in theory, his execution has faltered. Pooran, meanwhile, blends aggression with pragmatism—a mix LSG desperately needs.
Stat Alert:
- Pant’s IPL 2025: 17 runs, avg. 5.66, strike rate 89.
- Pooran’s IPL 2025: 111 runs, avg. 55.5, strike rate 148.
Mumbai Indians Clash: Pant’s Last Stand?
LSG’s upcoming match against Mumbai Indians could decide Pant’s fate. With Hardik Pandya’s MI hungry for redemption, another loss might push Goenka to make the unthinkable move: handing Pooran interim captaincy.
Conclusion: Captaincy Crossroads for LSG
Rishabh Pant’s legacy as a leader hangs in the balance. While Sanjiv Goenka’s public backing offers a lifeline, the rise of Nicholas Pooran—both as a batter and quiet tactician—has complicated LSG’s power dynamics. In a league where “what have you done lately?” trumps past glory, Pant’s time to silence critics is running out.
Will IPL 2025 mark the redemption of Rishabh Pant or the coronation of Nicholas Pooran? The answer lies in Lucknow’s next game.