LSG coach breaks silence on Rishabh Pant’s form dip amid price tag scrutiny: 'It’s just a question of...'

Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) campaign in IPL 2026 has been under scrutiny, and much of that attention has centered around skipper Rishabh Pant. With just 189 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 126.84, questions have naturally followed—especially given his ₹27 crore price tag from the mega auction.

Also Read: Will Rohit Sharma feature in the Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants IPL 2026 clash?

Bharat Arun addresses the price tag saga

However, LSG bowling coach Bharat Arun has firmly rejected the notion that the hefty valuation has anything to do with Pant’s current struggles. Addressing the growing noise, Arun made it clear that the team remains confident in their captain’s abilities.

“I don’t think the price tag has got to do anything with it. It’s just a question of, if you really look at his batting throughout and if you look at the second game that we played, he took us through the (finish) line. I wouldn’t be too concerned about his form. It’s just a question of (him being) one innings away from getting back his form,” Arun said.

Despite a difficult season so far, Rishabh Pant’s past performances continue to provide reassurance within the camp. His ability to deliver under pressure has been evident before, including key contributions earlier in the tournament.

Also Read: Wedding bells for Shubman Gill? GT skipper finally responds to on-TV marriage question

“One innings away”: LSG remain optimistic amid must-win phase

LSG currently find themselves at the bottom of the points table, managing just two wins from eight matches. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the team is now entering a do-or-die phase where every game holds immense significance.

Arun acknowledged the situation but maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing belief over panic.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel. For us, we have no other way to go. Every game is a knockout for us right from here,” he stated.

The coach also cautioned against overanalyzing statistics, suggesting that execution and mindset will be more decisive in the remaining fixtures.

“I don’t think reading too much into data would really help. It’s just that how we perform and how we focus on the things that we are confident about matters the most,” he added.

With pressure mounting and expectations high, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant to deliver that one defining innings. If it comes soon, it could not only revive his form but also breathe life back into LSG’s struggling campaign.