Sanjiv Goenka’s bold prediction about Rishabh Pant’s IPL captaincy legacy has come back into focus after Lucknow Super Giants announced that Pant has stepped down as captain.

Before the start of the IPL 2025 cycle, Goenka had backed Pant to become one of the league’s great leaders, even putting him in the same long-term conversation as MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

But after two disappointing seasons, no playoff qualification, and a last-place finish in IPL 2026, that 10-year vision has collapsed much earlier than expected. LSG now enter another reset, while Pant’s future with the franchise becomes one of the biggest questions before IPL 2027.

Sanji Goenka’s big Rishabh Pant prediction comes back into focus

When LSG bought Pant for a record INR 27 crore, the franchise clearly believed it had found a long-term face and leader. Goenka’s confidence was visible in a pre-season interaction, where Pant was sitting beside him.

‘Now people say that Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are the most successful teams. Mahi and Rohit are brilliant. Undeniably brilliant, both of them. Mark my words, after 10 years people will say Mahi, Rohit and Rishabh,’ Goenka had said.

At the time, it sounded like a statement of faith. Pant was still seen as a high-ceiling captain, an explosive match-winner, and someone who could build a new LSG identity. But the results never matched the ambition.

In IPL 2025, LSG finished seventh. In IPL 2026, they slipped further and ended at the bottom of the table. Soon after the league stage ended, Pant requested to be relieved of captaincy duties, and LSG accepted the decision with immediate effect.

IPL 2026: Rishabh Pant’s captaincy record at LSG

Pant’s two-year stint as LSG captain was disappointing both for the team and for him personally. Across IPL 2025 and 2026, he led Lucknow in 28 matches, winning 11 and losing 17. His win percentage stood at 39.29.

As a batter, IPL 2026 was also below expectations. Pant scored 312 runs from 13 innings at an average of 28.36 and a strike rate of 138.05. For a player bought at INR 27 crore and handed the leadership of a rebuilt squad, those numbers did not carry enough weight.

LSG’s 2026 season had a few positives, including Mitchell Marsh’s 563-run campaign, Josh Inglis’ late impact and Prince Yadav’s 16 wickets. But the team never found tactical balance. The expensive core misfired, and Pant looked weighed down by the leadership role.

Now the question is what comes next. Pant could continue as a player under a new captain, but LSG may also consider a trade or release ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction, especially with such a large salary attached to him.

Ravichandran Ashwin defends Rishabh Pant and LSG’s intent

While Goenka’s old prediction is being mocked by fans, Ravichandran Ashwin offered a more balanced view on his Hindi YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat. Ashwin said it is easy to laugh at people after a plan fails, but the intent behind the move should also be understood.

‘I have one more question on this. You said this is a 15-year plan. See, it’s easy to make fun of everyone. But my point is that we are all humans,’ Ashwin said.

He added that Goenka bought Pant with genuine belief and excitement.

‘If you remember, Sanjeev Goenka bought the player at the auction. He bought it with so much happiness and excitement. Because he had faith that he would do something. He is not wrong. And Rishabh will also have a good feeling that he wants to do well for the franchisee.

Ashwin also said there is nothing wrong with changing direction if something does not work.

‘There is nothing wrong in their intent. If you feel like it’s not worked, what’s the problem in going back or changing?’

That may be the fairest reading of the situation. Goenka’s prediction now looks badly timed, and Pant’s captaincy stint did not deliver. But the failure was not because of a lack of ambition. It was a high-risk bet that did not land. LSG now have to decide whether Pant remains part of their next plan, or whether the reset goes even deeper.