New Delhi, March 13 Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant shared a motivational talk with the new players joining the franchise ahead of IPL 2026, saying, "Let's take what we can from these experienced players and try to build something for this season."
During the mini auction held last December, LSG signed six players: Sri Lankan sensation Wanindu Hasaranga, South African Anrich Nortje, Mukul Choudhary, local boy Naman Tiwari, Akshat Raghuwanshi, and Josh Inglis, to complete their squad with a blend of experience and potential. They also traded Arjun Tendulkar from Mumbai Indians and Indian pacer Mohammad Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad.
"Many of the players are from last year. There are definitely some new faces. Welcome everyone. Let's focus on building relationships. If we don't talk about cricket, we won't improve. As individuals, let's take what we can from these experienced players and try to build something for this season to look forward to," Pant said in a video shared by LSG.
Pant-led LSG only managed six wins. Despite hitting an unbeaten 118 in LSG's final league game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it didn't help the side's cause as they finished seventh in the points table.
"When we start a season, we always have a thought: let's build something; let's try to win. But at the same time, it's important to be clear about what you want to do. What do you want to achieve as an individual and as a team... And this is the best time to have that clarity. This is essentially a pre-season camp, but it's still a pre-season camp because the rest of the squad will join from March 15-16," he added.
"So, it's all about getting to know each other. Let's spend good time together and have fun. Let's keep communicating. Lots of energy, lots of fun, lots of learning. Let's create something," Pant concluded.
LSG will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Punjab Kings on April 1 at the Ekana Stadium. They will then travel to Hyderabad for their game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5.