For Rishabh Pant, captaining Lucknow Super Giants is an opportunity to create a harmonious atmosphere
KOLKATA: Rishabh Pant’s credentials as a leader are growing fast. The wicketkeeper-batter was on Monday named captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the IPL franchise that broke the bank for him at a mind-boggling Rs 27 cr. That at least two franchises were willing to go beyond the Rs 20 crore mark for him proves the kind of trust that Pant commands.
“We would not have stopped at this amount,” LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka says. Pant, however, wasn’t surprised. “Of course I was happy, but it was never about money,” he told TOI in an exclusive interview.
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Excerpts from the conversation…
You are joining a new franchise as the leader. What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership for me is more about looking after the players. How can you get the best out of them. How can you create an environment where they feel safe and stable so that they can give their 200%.
Talking about the auction, you went for Rs 27 crore. Were you surprised?
I wasn’t surprised, I have to say this (chuckles). But for me it wasn’t about the money anyway. When I came to the auction, money wasn’t in my thoughts, but I must say I was very happy with what I got. I wanted to be in a place where I could create the right environment with the help of the management. Create a franchise where people aspire to come, play and give their 100%.
You have many experienced players in LSG, like Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh. Is that a comfort zone?
It’s definitely a comfort zone as we have a lot of players who have experience in leadership in international cricket. You want to share that and it’s always good to take the views of your seniors. A captain is as good as the team and everyone in the room is also thinking about the game. So, if you listen to everyone, keep everything in account and then make decisions, it is always good for the team. A good leader is always a good listener and that is something I would like to take forward.
There is a perception that you are a fun-loving person…
I’ve thought about it. I tried to tone myself down and I wanted to change a little, as people sometimes don’t like it if I’m a little extroverted. With time you improve as an individual. Your decision-making changes. So, it’s a mix of a lot of things. But after my car accident, I realized that there is no need to tone down. If I am excited about something, it means I care about it. Sometimes when you play cricket for a few years, your excitement goes down and you stop enjoying the game. You may be in a different position in your career, but that doesn’t mean you need to change.
I started playing cricket because I loved it. The thought process was to play for India and give my 200%. Now that I am blessed to be doing that, if I stop enjoying it means I am deviating from my goals. I promised myself that I am going to enjoy it more. There are a few people in the world who can do what they like and make money out of it, and why not. I see it as an opportunity. Coming to a new franchise is an opportunity.
How emotional was it to leave Delhi Capitals after eight years?
I joined when I was 17-18, so it was a very emotional decision. But we are professionals, and this is what we do. I’m not thinking much about that now. Once the decision was made, I knew it would be a very difficult one. I knew I would feel bad but I can’t be living in the past. I’d like to move on and get better. Now it’s a different family for me and I’ll look to build more relationships with the people here.
‘I’m looking at building the franchise with Pant’
LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka talks to TOI on his expectations from the new captain….
Can Rishabh’s price tag become a burden?
The price tag (for Pant) was only relevant till the time the auction didn’t happen. Thereafter, he is the leader. It’s not about the tag. It’s about his leadership, his performance, how he motivates players, how he strategizes. So, I haven’t thought about the price tag for a moment after the auction got over. Everyone has got the same Rs 120 crore purse and it’s your discretion on how you distribute it. Rishabh deserves that price. If the bidding had gone on and it was Rs 28 crore, I still would have gone for him as he was fundamental to all our plans. It’s about the skills he brings. I’m looking at it for the next 10-12 years. He is 27 and will play till 40. I’m looking at building the franchise with him. The more I see him, the more I’m convinced he is the perfect choice for us.
How important is it to have a culture of your own?
It’s important for everyone to feel comfortable and happy. That is what we want to create. Also, we want to have an atmosphere of never-say-die attitude. These are the things that I feel Rishabh embodies. No owner is looking to win all the matches. As long as the win ratio is more than losses, it is good for us.