The Mega Auction for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a success, and one of its major highlights was Rishabh Pant becoming the most expensive IPL player of all time after Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) successfully bid ₹27 crore.
With such a hefty price tag, many LSG and cricket fans generally wonder if the purchase was right. It’s understandable since it’s a record-breaking amount that also sets a new benchmark for player valuations for the IPL. This amount was also a big jump from how much he had purchased during the previous auctions.
But based on the latest betting odds, LSG isn’t one of the favourites to win just yet, as teams in the top spot are Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. So, before you plan your bets on 10CRIC or other betting sites, consider why LSG might be worth rooting for in the upcoming IPL.
A Gamble on the Genius? Is He Worth the Price?
Pant has proven himself a game-changer with his fearless batting and innovative wicketkeeping. He’s always performed excellently since he joined the IPL, and based on his recent performances, especially during the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, it’s no longer hard to see why he’s become among the most respected in the industry.
During the 2024 World Cup, Pant scored 1,209 runs with an impressive strike rate of 127.26. His standout innings included 42 runs off 31 balls against Pakistan and 36 runs off 24 balls against Bangladesh.
Before LSG acquired him, there was a fierce bidding war involving several teams. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were initially in the fray, but RCB backed out when the price surged beyond INR 11 crore. SRH continued the bidding, but eventually, LSG outbid them with a final offer
Yet, the enormous financial outlay by the LSG raises the stakes significantly. The franchise is investing in Pant’s skills and banking on his ability to inspire and lead. While their team hasn’t announced who will be captain yet, there is a good chance that Pant will get the title.
Why Lucknow Super Giants Invested in Him and Another Expensive Player
LSG has been strategic in their approach to building a squad, and purchasing Rishabh Pant looks like it’s more than just a move to strengthen their batting lineup; it’s also a statement of intent that other teams should be taking them seriously.
Besides Pant, LSG also paid a lot to retain Nicholas Pooran (₹21 crore). Pooran has been a key player for LSG since the team’s inception, finishing as the leading run-scorer in the IPL 2024 season with 499 runs, including 35 fours and 36 sixes.
Having both of them on the team showcases how solid LSG’s batting will be. However, even if Pant will likely captain the team, Pooran has also shown leadership qualities, mainly since he’s led West Indies.
The bottom line is that LSG’s strategy is clear: mix young players with experienced campaigners to create a winning formula.
Expectations from Pant and LSG as a Team
After the recent IPL 2025 Mega Auction, there are big expectations for Pant and LSG as a team. For Pant, this means performing with the bat and leading by example. LSG will likely look to him to bring his aggressive and fearless approach to inspire his teammates.
Also, the acquisition of Pant and the retention of Nicholas Pooran might mean they’ll be a tough challenge for teams that don’t have a solid lineup of bowlers and fielders. So, teams with a history of inconsistency, like Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, might struggle against LSG.
It’s also worth noting that LSG has secured more skilled and popular players like Ravi Bishnoi, David Miller, and Aiden Markram. They have a well-rounded squad with explosive hitters, dependable all-rounders, and skilled bowlers.
Now, if Pant becomes captain, his leadership will be under scrutiny. The team will likely hinge on how well Pant can integrate with the existing squad and bring out the best in his teammates. But of course, like what we already learned from teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the captain’s skill alone wouldn’t be enough.
Conclusion
Overall, Lucknow Super Giants seems to have a solid lineup, and with how stacked they are for the upcoming season, it’s just right to expect a lot from them. Let’s hope the pressure won’t make the team perform inconsistently next year.
