In a major vote of confidence, LSG head coach Justin Langer predicts a roaring comeback from skipper Rishabh Pant in IPL 2026. The 19th edition begins March 28, with LSG facing Delhi Capitals in their opener on April 1. ‘Champion players like Pant don’t endure slumps for long,’ Langer asserted.
Acquired for a staggering 27 crore – the highest IPL bid ever – Pant’s 2025 season was marred by inconsistency and injury. A rib pull before the New Zealand ODIs kept him out, and in 14 IPL games, he managed just 269 runs at 133 strike rate, his career-low. Yet, his unbeaten 118 off RCB in the last match showed glimpses of brilliance.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Langer said, ‘He’s fully prepared, buzzing with enthusiasm in training. Our camp is on, and I’ll catch up with him soon. Like all greats, he rebounds quickly.’ Pant has been putting in intense sessions, including a recent stint with Yuvraj Singh in Mumbai.
LSG ended 2025 seventh under Pant’s captaincy, but Langer is optimistic. With Pant’s aggression behind the stumps and at the crease, the franchise eyes a deeper playoff run. The cricketing world watches as Pant aims to justify his massive price tag and silence doubters.