'We Needed to Add More to Our Bowling': Rishabh Pant Eyes Stronger LSG Campaign

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant has underlined the need to bolster the team’s bowling attack ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, reflecting on the shortcomings that impacted their previous campaign.

It’s been a roller coaster ride for the franchise since its inception, with strong starts under KL Rahul yielding Play-Off appearances in the first two seasons, followed by a slide to seventh-place finishes in the last two editions, including the most recent one under Pant’s leadership.

Speaking on JioStar’s ‘IPL Today Live’, Pant pointed to the team’s renewed focus during the pre-season camp in Chennai, particularly highlighting the arrival of former India bowling coach Bharat Arun.

“We've had a lot of conversations, about what I want from the bowlers and what he thinks he can add. The energy is pure. He is one of the best bowling coaches, and I have that trust, having worked with him when he was with the Indian cricket team,” he said.

How are Rishabh Pant and Justin Langer shaping LSG’s renewed ambitions for IPL 2026?

“He brings that experience. The bowlers trust him and open up to him, which is exactly what you want from a bowling coach, adding value to the system. When we look back at last season, we felt we needed to add more to our bowling. He is definitely someone who can contribute a lot in that area, and I am really happy to have him,” the LSG skipper said.

The franchise enters the new season with a change in jersey and logo, alongside renewed ambitions under Pant and head coach Justin Langer.

The 2026 edition is seen as crucial for the team after inconsistent performances and frequent changes in combinations over the past two years.

That inconsistency stands in contrast to Gujarat Titans, which debuted alongside Lucknow in 2022 and quickly established itself as a stable and successful unit, winning the title in its first season and finishing runner-up in 2023.

Pant also stressed the importance of maintaining a positive environment within the dressing room.

Can Rishabh Pant’s positive mindset help LSG overcome last season’s struggles?

"I think everyone is fun-loving these days because the environment is already so stressful,” he said.

“Everyone wants to enjoy each other's company, you can feel that emotion, the love, the enjoyment. If you carry too much stress and don’t enjoy yourself, sometimes you won’t be able to give your best,” he added.

“You don’t want to treat it as work. I say this a lot, as kids, why did we play cricket? Yes, there is a lot at stake, a lot to lose, and the stakes will keep getting higher, but you shouldn’t stop enjoying the game and having fun. I think that is something that seems to be missing these days, and if players bring that back, they will be a lot happier,” he said.

Pant’s own form remains under scrutiny after a difficult debut season with Lucknow. Before the final league game, he had managed only 151 runs in 13 matches, averaging 13 with a strike rate of 107 following his record ₹27 crore signing.

He ended the campaign on a high with an unbeaten 118 off 61 balls against Gujarat, an innings featuring 11 fours and eight sixes, including no-look shots off Kagiso Rabada, though the team still lost the match.

How does Rishabh Pant assess his current physical and mental form?

Looking ahead, Pant expressed confidence in his preparation and mindset.

"I think I am in a good space, physically and mentally. I like to work on myself every day, and I enjoy that, because you have to spend time with yourself to keep improving,” he said.

“As long as you are playing cricket, that matters. All the seniors I speak to tell me that in cricket, you can't take it lightly even for a day. Today could be your day, but tomorrow it might not be, and that could change again the day after,” he added.

“So, just keep working hard. Decision-making and handling situations are important, but consistently working on yourself to improve, even when things are going your way, is important. I believe there are only two scenarios in life, either you're doing good or you're doing okay, there is nothing called bad,” the wicketkeeper batsman said.

“A lot of times, you tend not to appreciate your journey, where you come from, and how hard you have worked to get where you are. At the same time, don’t take it for granted,” he added.

With a revamped squad and a sharper focus on addressing last season’s gaps, Lucknow Super Giants will look for a more consistent and competitive showing in IPL 2026.