Pant's future at LSG in doubt; Pooran to survive shake-up

Rishabh Pant’s woes may not be ending just yet. By voluntarily stepping down as Lucknow Super Giants captain, he may have temporarily silenced speculation over his future at the franchise, but that does not necessarily guarantee his place in the side for the next season. It may not be a surprise if he is eventually released by the management, but Nicholas Pooran, another misfiring player, may survive the axe.

At INR 27 crore, Pant is not value for money, and his contribution will be debated by the franchise’s brain trust. Indications are that Pant could eventually be released. Cricbuzz can reveal that is an option on the LSG table because the thinking is that INR 27 crore is too high. The franchise could consider bringing him back at a lower price in the auction.

With pragmatic professionals like Tom Moody, Justin Langer, and Kane Williamson in the coaching setup, releasing Pant remains an imminent possibility. A formal decision has not been taken, but the thinking within the camp appears to be moving in the direction that there could be far better value for Pant’s price.

That Pant did not fire as a batter or skipper at LSG would be an understatement. Across two seasons and 28 games, he accumulated 581 runs at a strike rate of 135.74 with an average of 26.40. His win percentage as captain is 35.71 with just 10 wins in 28 games. This year, the side finished at the bottom with four wins from 14 games, a win percentage of 28.5.

Earlier, LSG announced Pant is stepping down. "Rishabh approached the franchise with this request and we have respectfully accepted it. These decisions are never easy. We are grateful for everything Rishabh has brought to this dressing room as captain. Our focus now is on rebuilding and restructuring," Moody said.

Pooran may survive the purge

With the team finishing 10th, an overhaul may be on the cards, but Pooran, an INR 21-crore retention, may survive. There has long been discussion that Pooran and Pant together account for INR 48 crore – close to 40% of the purse – and their combined returns have not justified that investment.

Pooran has scored 234 runs this season – not the returns expected of a player with such a high price tag. But the Trinidadian had a 500-plus season last year, amassing 524 runs, and the management may continue to show faith in the West Indian, sources have indicated in no uncertain terms.