01 Rishabh Pant

From his breakout days in the 2016 U-19 World Cup to becoming the most expensive asset in IPL history, Rishabh Pant (born October 4, 1997) has redefined the role of a wicketkeeper-batter in modern cricket. Known for his audacious stroke-play and “never-say-die” attitude, Pant is currently the cornerstone of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and a vital leader for the Indian national team.¹

As of January 22, 2026, Pant is currently recovering from a side strain (oblique muscle tear) sustained during a practice session in Vadodara on January 10.² While he was ruled out of the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand, he remains the focal point for LSG’s upcoming IPL 2026 campaign, where he aims to justify his record-breaking ₹27 Crore price tag.

Rishabh Pant: Career Milestones & 2025–26 Highlights

The Record-Breaking ₹27 Crore Captain

At the TATA IPL 2025 Auction, history was made when Lucknow Super Giants secured Pant for a staggering ₹27 Crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history.³ After a decade-long journey with the Delhi Capitals, this move marked a new era for Pant, who was officially named LSG Captain on January 21, 2025.⁴

2025: A Year of Historic Highs and Injury Blows

The 2025 season was a rollercoaster of cinematic proportions for Pant:

• The “Twin Tons” in England: In June 2025, during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, Pant became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score hundreds in both innings of a Test match (Leeds).⁵

• Champion’s Hardware: He was a key member of the Indian squad that lifted the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.⁶

• Injury Setback: His momentum was halted in July 2025 when a foot fracture in Manchester sidelined him for the Asia Cup.⁷

• Laureus Recognition: His heroic return from his 2022 car crash earned him a nomination for the Laureus Comeback of the Year 2025 Award.⁸

Test Cricket Legend

Pant’s legacy is already cemented in red-ball cricket. His match-winning 89 at the Gabba* in 2021 remains the most iconic moment for an Indian wicketkeeper. As of 2026, he has surpassed MS Dhoni for the most Test centuries by an Indian glovesman, proving his mettle in challenging conditions across Australia, England, and South Africa.⁹

Rishabh Pant: Consolidated IPL Statistics

Data updated as of January 22, 2026.