“Not working”: Former MI head coach urged Rishabh Pant to give up leadership rol – Not working”: Former MI head coach urged Rishabh Pant to give up leadership role

A Call for Change in Lucknow

The conclusion of the IPL 2026 season has brought a wave of scrutiny toward the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and their marquee signing, Rishabh Pant. Following back-to-back seasons of underwhelming performances, the narrative surrounding the star wicket-keeper batter has shifted from high-priced potential to the necessity of a significant tactical pivot. As the franchise grapples with a last-place finish, voices from the cricketing fraternity have emerged to suggest that the burden of captaincy might be the primary hurdle preventing Pant from reaching his true potential.

The Verdict from Mark Boucher

Former South African wicket-keeper and ex-Mumbai Indians head coach Mark Boucher has been among the most vocal critics regarding the current trajectory of Pant’s career. During a recent appearance on ESPNcricinfo Timeout, Boucher delivered a candid assessment of the situation, stating, “Not working”: Former MI head coach urged Rishabh Pant to give up leadership role. For Boucher, the dichotomy between Pant’s natural playing style and the demands of leadership is stark.

“Rishabh Pant, the cricketer and his leadership are not working together. We have seen that for a couple of seasons now. He hasn’t produced what he is expected to produce,” Boucher noted. He emphasized that while some players are naturally suited to the methodical requirements of captaincy, others require a different approach to their preparation. “If the captaincy is getting in the way, then get rid of the captaincy,” he added, highlighting a desire to see the flamboyant batter return to his aggressive best.

Statistical Reality Check

The numbers from the 2026 season paint a complex picture. Pant featured in 14 matches, scoring 312 runs at a strike rate of 138. While this reflects a marginal improvement over his previous campaign, it remains significantly below the high standards set by the Indian international. Bought for a staggering INR 27 crores, expectations were that Pant would anchor the innings while providing the explosive finishing power synonymous with his name. Instead, the Super Giants finished at the bottom of the points table with a mere eight points.

The Instinctive Captaincy Debate

Supporting the notion that a change might be beneficial, former Chennai Super Kings batter Ambati Rayudu offered a nuanced perspective on the matter. Rayudu argued that Pant’s strength lies in his instinct, which often clashes with the rigid planning required for modern T20 captaincy.

“For someone who always relies on instinct, it is so hard for him to prepare everything and be methodical in terms of his decisions. Either you give him captaincy and let him be the way he is, or you don’t give him captaincy,” Rayudu explained. He suggested that if the current leadership model isn’t yielding results, the most logical step is to allow Pant to play purely as a specialist batter, free from the constraints of tactical decision-making.

Looking Ahead for LSG

Since being acquired as the most expensive player in the IPL auction prior to the 2025 season, Pant has led LSG in 28 matches. With only 10 victories and a win percentage of approximately 35.71%, the record is undeniably lackluster. As the franchise looks toward the future, the management faces a difficult choice: stick with their marquee leader and hope for a turnaround, or heed the advice of legends like Boucher and Rayudu by relieving him of his captaincy duties.

Ultimately, the objective is to revitalize one of India’s most exciting talents. Whether the solution involves a change in leadership or a shift in team strategy, the consensus remains that a change is required for both the franchise’s success and Pant’s individual legacy in the tournament. As fans and analysts wait for official word from the Lucknow camp, one thing is certain: the current status quo is no longer sustainable.