Did Sanjeev Goenka Decide Rishabh Pant Batting Position for IPL 2026?

The Lucknow Super Giants acquired Rishabh Pant for a record ₹27 crore. However, this expensive move didn't really give the outcome they expected. In the previous season, LSG struggled a lot with the inconsistency of the middle order, and even Pant himself was looking for his rhythm.

The constant shuffling in batting order was a significant part of the debate surrounding Lucknow Super Giants' poor batting performance. Rishabh Pant batting position in IPL 2025 was at number four, and even seen as low as number seven in a tactical experiment against the Delhi Capitals that backfired.

As the franchise prepares for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, starting against the Delhi Capitals on April 1, the stakes have never been higher. For LSG to transition from contenders to champions, positioning their most expensive asset correctly isn't just a matter of choice; it is a tactical necessity for their success.

Is the Franchise Owner Allowed to Decide the Batting Position in the IPL?

Under the Official IPL rules, the franchise owner cannot decide the batting order or the playing 11, as these are on-field decisions that are strictly reserved for the designated head coach and captain to ensure sporting integrity. While the Lucknow Super Giants owners are highly involved in setting up the team's vision, they cannot officially dictate player positions. Moving Rishabh to number three is a professional decision made by head coach Justin Langer and team management. Sanjiv Goenka's role in team selection is lesser and focuses more on providing resources and ensuring his record-breaking investment leads to the team's overall success.

What is the Ideal Batting Position for Rishabh Pant at LSG?

The statistical trends suggest that Rishabh Pant is most destructive when he takes time to settle down at the crease. In IPL 2025, while batting at number four, he struggled for consistency, yet his season-best 118 off 61 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru showed that, with the freedom of batting higher up the order, he is more capable of scoring big.

A move to number three would allow one of the best finishers in IPL, Pant, to exploit powerplay restrictions and stabilise the innings before opposition spinners settle in. This shift also improves the team’s balance, enabling Nicholas Pooran to move into a dedicated finisher role at number four or five. In IPL 2026, Rishabh Pant is expected to adopt a more aggressive approach, anchoring the innings rather than reacting to a middle-order collapse.