In the high-stakes arena of the Indian Premier League, where every decision can define a team’s season, Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has steered his franchise towards a strategic overhaul for IPL 2025. The acquisition of Rishabh Pant for a staggering ₹27 crore set the tone for LSG’s aggressive approach in the mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This move wasn’t just about financial muscle flexing but a calculated step towards crafting a team with the “mindset to win.”
“Our internal feeling is that our auction was excellent. Our focus was that our middle order and finishing should be extremely strong. Our No. 3 to No. 8 is very strong. Our second wish was to go with a completely Indian pace attack instead of international pace, and explosive international batters. Now we have got a combination of the two,” Goenka elucidated, highlighting a blend of local talent and international flair.
The strategy behind this squad composition was not just about assembling a team but building a leadership pool. “We have four leaders in our team – Rishabh, Pooran, Markram, and Mitch Marsh. So it becomes a very strong leadership pool of intellect and thought, and strategy. They are all people who can go with the mindset to win. Rishabh has the hunger and passion to win. So a good team has been built. We are happy. Overall, the balance is also okay and no team is 10 on 10,” Goenka added, emphasizing the importance of leadership and mental fortitude in cricket.
Rishabh Pant, apart from his cricketing prowess, caught Goenka’s eye for his on-field antics. “I saw a video of Rishabh where he did dramebaazi on the field. He slowed the momentum. I liked that attitude a lot, that you have that extra thought to change the momentum when everything was going against us by removing the pads. From that time, I had in my mind that if only Rishabh had been in my team,” Goenka reminisced, referring to an incident during the T20 World Cup 2024 where Pant’s unconventional tactics turned the game’s tide.
The resilience of Pant, especially after a near-fatal injury, further solidified his value to Goenka. “That one thing of his appealed to me a lot. Along with that, he came back from a near-fatal injury, and he has come back to a form which is better than his original form. So that resilience and ability to fight and rise again matter a lot. Rishabh is 27. So I hope he will be with LSG for the next 10-12 years,” Goenka observed, underlining Pant’s long-term value to the franchise.
Players like Avesh Khan (₹9.75 crore) and Akash Deep (₹8 crore) complemented the strategy, ensuring a robust bowling attack. David Miller, at ₹7.50 crore, was their costliest pick, adding depth to the batting order.
Sanjiv Goenka’s vision for LSG in IPL 2025 isn’t just about winning matches but about building a legacy. By investing in players like Pant, not just for their cricketing skills but for their leadership qualities and mental toughness, Goenka aims to cultivate a team culture where every player embodies the “mindset to win.” This approach, blending strategic acquisitions with a focus on leadership and resilience, sets LSG on a path where success is not just hoped for but meticulously planned. As the IPL season approaches, all eyes will be on LSG, not just for their on-field performance but for how this strategy unfolds in the real crucible of cricket.
