Justin Langer Backs Rishabh Pant for a Big IPL 2026 Comeback with LSG
Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer has made one thing crystal clear: Rishabh Pant is coming into IPL 2026 with a point to prove, and the signs from training camp are already exciting. IPL 2026 kicks off on March 28, and all eyes will be on Pant from ball one. Check the IPL 2026 full schedule to see when LSG take the field.
| Key Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Player | Rishabh Pant |
| Team | Lucknow Super Giants |
| IPL 2026 Cost | Rs 27 crore (most expensive player) |
| IPL 2025 Runs | 269 in 14 matches, SR 133.16 |
| Career IPL Runs | 3,200+ in 110+ matches |
| Last Injury | Side strain, January 2026 |
What Langer Actually Said About Pant
Justin Langer did not mince words when asked about his captain’s form and fitness ahead of the new season. He told ESPNcricinfo that Pant is already showing sharp signs in training and that the team expects him to lead from the front.
Langer’s message was simple: great players have short memories when it comes to bad patches. His last IPL innings, an unbeaten 118 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, reminded everyone what Pant is capable of when he clicks. That knock came too late to save LSG’s campaign, but it is exactly the kind of innings Langer wants to see repeatedly in IPL 2026.
Pant’s Training Under Yuvraj Singh
One of the more interesting stories coming out of the LSG camp is Pant’s pre-season work with Yuvraj Singh. The two were spotted together at a short camp in Mumbai, with Yuvraj putting Pant through his paces in the batting nets.
This kind of mentorship carries serious weight. Yuvraj is arguably the greatest big-match T20 batter India has ever produced, and having him work with Pant on his game ahead of such a high-stakes season is exactly the kind of preparation that separates good players from great ones.
- Yuvraj mentoring Pant on aggressive batting instincts
- Short camp in Mumbai, focused on match simulations
- Emphasis on getting back to fearless stroke play
- Mental reset after IPL 2025’s tough run
Why IPL 2025 Was So Hard for Pant
Pant had one of his toughest IPL seasons on record in 2025. His 269 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 133.16 was his lowest output since breaking into the competition back in 2016. LSG finished seventh in the points table, and despite that stunning century in the final league game, it was too little too late.
| Season | Runs | Strike Rate | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPL 2025 | 269 | 133.16 | Lowest since debut |
| Career Best | 3,200+ total | 145+ SR | 2 centuries, 19 fifties |
| Final League Game 2025 | 118* | Season high | vs RCB |
The injury to his side in January 2026, picked up right before India’s ODI series against New Zealand in Vadodara, only added to the uncertainty around his form and fitness. But Langer’s message is that all of that is behind them now.
What Makes Pant So Dangerous in T20 Cricket
Even during his lean patch, no team takes Pant lightly. Here’s why he remains one of the most feared batters in the format:
- He reads the game at pace and adapts faster than most
- His wicketkeeping gives LSG an extra bowling option and sharp stumping opportunities
- He has the ability to shift momentum in a single over
- At Rs 27 crore, he is the most expensive IPL player, and franchises do not spend that kind of money on a one-season wonder
- His record speaks for itself: 3,200+ runs across 110+ matches at a career strike rate above 145
You can follow how Pant and the rest of LSG’s squad shapes up by visiting the IPL 2026 squads page.
LSG’s Title Hopes Ride on Pant’s Bat
LSG had a forgettable 2025 season. Finishing seventh while carrying the most expensive player in the auction is painful, and the management knows it. But the franchise has backed Pant fully, and Langer’s confidence in his captain is genuine, not just bulletin-board talk.
With IPL 2026 using a fresh group-stage format, every single game will matter from the start. LSG simply cannot afford a slow beginning if they want to be in playoff contention. Keep an eye on the IPL 2026 points table from matchday one to track LSG’s progress.
If Pant fires the way Langer expects him to, LSG will be a completely different animal this season. A fit, confident, motivated Rishabh Pant is genuinely one of the top five most dangerous T20 batters on the planet when everything clicks.
The question was never whether Pant has the talent. The question was always about form, fitness, and timing. Right now, all three appear to be falling into place at exactly the right moment.
Stay updated with every IPL 2026 match and development through the latest IPL 2026 updates.
FAQs
Why did Rishabh Pant struggle in IPL 2025? Pant scored just 269 runs at a strike rate of 133.16, his lowest since his IPL debut. LSG also finished seventh, making it a difficult season all round.
What did Justin Langer say about Pant ahead of IPL 2026? Langer said Pant is “firing” in training and that champions do not stay down for long. He expects Pant to deliver big performances in IPL 2026.
Who trained with Rishabh Pant before IPL 2026? Pant was spotted training with former India star Yuvraj Singh at a short camp in Mumbai ahead of the new season.
How much did LSG pay for Rishabh Pant? LSG secured Pant for Rs 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL auction history.
Is Rishabh Pant fit for IPL 2026? Pant suffered a side strain in January 2026 but is currently training and is expected to be fully fit for LSG’s opening game.
When does LSG’s IPL 2026 campaign begin? IPL 2026 starts on March 28, and LSG’s fixtures can be tracked on the full schedule page.
