“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 rol
A Call for Clarity: Rishabh Pant‘s Leadership Under Scrutiny
The Indian Premier League is a crucible of pressure, and for star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, the 2026 season has proven to be a particularly challenging chapter. As the skipper of the Lucknow Super Giants, Pant has faced mounting criticism following consecutive underwhelming campaigns for the franchise. The situation has become so concerning that former Mumbai Indians head coach and South African legend, Mark Boucher, has issued a blunt verdict: it is time for Pant to step down from the captaincy to salvage his batting career.
The Statistical Reality
Rishabh Pant’s individual performance during the 2026 IPL season has been a subject of intense scrutiny. Appearing in 14 matches, he managed to accumulate 312 runs at a strike rate of 138. While these figures represent a marginal improvement over his previous year, they fall well short of the explosive impact fans and experts have come to expect from a player of his caliber. More tellingly, his inability to convert starts into match-winning knocks has left the team vulnerable in critical phases of the game.
When the Lucknow Super Giants invested a massive sum of INR 27 crores to secure his services in the auction, the expectation was a dual contribution: elite leadership combined with high-impact batting. Much like Shreyas Iyer’s role for the Punjab Kings, Pant was expected to be the anchor and the engine. Unfortunately, the synergy between his leadership and his personal performance has failed to manifest.
Mark Boucher’s Blunt Assessment
During a candid discussion on ESPNcricinfo Timeout, Mark Boucher did not mince words regarding the current state of affairs. Boucher, who understands the complexities of IPL coaching and team dynamics, suggested that the weight of leadership might be stifling the very instincts that make Pant such a dangerous cricketer.
“Rishabh Pant, the cricketer and his leadership are not working together. We have seen that for a couple of seasons now,” Boucher stated. “He hasn’t produced what he is expected to produce. Not everyone is like Rishabh Pant.” The former coach emphasized that while some players thrive under the tactical demands of captaincy, others need a different environment to flourish. “If the captaincy is getting in the way, then get rid of the captaincy,” he added firmly.
The Ambati Rayudu Perspective
Boucher is not alone in his assessment. Former Chennai Super Kings stalwart Ambati Rayudu has offered a similar, albeit more nuanced, critique. Rayudu believes that the conflict lies in the clash between Pant’s natural, instinctive style of play and the methodical preparation required for 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,” Rayudu explained. “Either you give him captaincy and let him be the way he is, or you don’t give him captaincy.” Rayudu suggested that for the benefit of both the player and the team, it might be best for Pant to return to being a specialist batter who can enjoy his cricket without the burden of strategic oversight.
A Look at the Numbers
The numbers from the last two seasons paint a sobering picture for the Lucknow Super Giants. Since taking over the mantle in 2025, Pant has led the side in 28 matches, securing victory in only 10 of them. With a win percentage of just 35.71%, the team has struggled to find consistency under his guidance. The 2026 season was particularly harsh, with the Super Giants finishing at the bottom of the points table, managing only eight points throughout the campaign.
The Road Ahead
The debate surrounding Rishabh Pant is ultimately about prioritization. Is the captaincy worth sacrificing the form of one of India’s most talented match-winners? As the cricketing world reflects on the 2026 season, the consensus seems to be shifting toward the idea that Pant needs to rediscover his joy on the field. Whether he chooses to relinquish the leadership role or attempts to reinvent his approach, the focus remains on seeing him return to his vintage best—hitting the ball to all corners of the ground and dictating terms as only he can.
