Delhi: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka announced Rishabh Pant as the new captain of the team ahead of the 2025 IPL season. Some time after this big announcement, Rishabh Pant revealed that he was under a lot of stress on the day of the mega auction. He was afraid that Punjab Kings (PBKS) might buy him.

Could have gone to CSK or PBKS

There were also reports that Pant could be selected in either Chennai Super Kings (CSK) or Punjab Kings (PBKS). His name was associated with CSK because he has a good rapport with MS Dhoni and it was believed that Chennai could make him Dhoni's successor. At the same time, due to the presence of former Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting in PBKS, there was talk that the pairing of Ponting and Pant could be formed again.

'Was worried about one thing – Punjab'

During a conversation with Star Sports on Monday, Rishabh Pant said that he was worried about only one thing – Punjab. He said, “Inwardly I had only one worry. That was Punjab. Their budget was so high that you couldn't do anything if you wanted to. They had Rs 112 crores, the second highest budget was Rs 82 crores. When Shreyas joined Punjab, I was relieved that now I can join LSG.”

Rishabh Pant becomes captain of LSG

After Pant was released by Delhi Capitals, LSG included him in their team for a record Rs 27 crore. Team owner Sanjeev Goenka told on Star Sports that the team's plan regarding Pant was already ready. He said, “We have created the entire team keeping his leadership in mind.”