New Delhi, March 22 Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant is set to bat at number three in the potentially make-or-break IPL season, which begins on March 28.
The stakes are high for Pant going into his second season as LSG captain, as the franchise shelled out a record Rs 27 crore for his services at the 2025 mega auction.
A successful season as a leader and top-order batter could make him a part of India's T20 plans going forward, following the disappointment of last year.
Across formats, Pant is an integral member of the Indian Test side, while also being a backup wicket-keeper to K L Rahul in ODIs.
The 28-year-old lost his place in the T20 side following India's World Cup triumph in 2024, and would need to do something special to make a comeback, considering that Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan have already established themselves as automatic picks due to their recent performances.
Therefore, the upcoming IPL is not just about delivering on a hefty price tag, but also about staying relevant in the shortest format.
Pant primarily batted at number four last season, but wisely moved himself to number three towards the end of the season, by which point it was too late to turn LSG's fortunes.
Nicholas Pooran will move down the order to make way for Pant, with numbers four, five, and six being used as floating positions.
The squad had a camp in Chennai, and are currently training at their home ground in Lucknow ahead of their opener against Delhi Capitals on April 1.
The Justin Langer-led support staff and Pant are on the same page when it comes to Pant's batting position.
"It is clear to the team management as well as Pant that his game is best suited for number three. This season, the top-order is locked in with Aiden, Marsh, and Pant. The middle-order is flexible, and players will be slotted based on the game situation," an IPL source told