The Lucknow Super Giants’ weakness in IPL 2025 was bowling, but captain Rishabh Pant claimed that the team had strengthened that area since hiring Bharat Arun as their bowling coach.
After LSG’s dismal performance in the previous season, where they finished seventh with six wins from 14 games and missed out on the playoffs, Pant is aiming for a better showing in IPL 2026.
Pant stated on JioStar that the young LSG fast bowlers going into IPL 2026 are benefiting from the inclusion of former India bowling coach Arun.
“The camp with the fast bowlers has been fantastic. Bharat Arun sir has come on board, and since he arrived, he has been adding a lot of value. We have had a lot of conversations, about what I want from the bowlers and what he thinks he can add. The energy is pure,” PTI quoted Pant as saying during LSG’s pre-season camp in Chennai.
“He (Arun) is one of the best bowling coaches, and I have that trust, having worked with him when he was with the Indian cricket team. He brings that experience. The bowlers trust him and open up to him, which is exactly what you want from a bowling coach, adding value to the system. When we look back at last season, we felt we needed to add more to our bowling. He is definitely someone who can contribute a lot in that area, and I am really happy to have him,” Pant added.
Being the most fun-loving person in the dressing room, according to Pant, makes the team atmosphere lighter, particularly under pressure.
“I think everyone is fun-loving these days because the environment is already so stressful. Everyone wants to enjoy each other’s company, you can feel that emotion, the love, the enjoyment. If you carry too much stress and don’t enjoy yourself, sometimes you won’t be able to give your best.
“You don’t want to treat it as work. I say this a lot, as kids, why did we play cricket? Yes, there is a lot at stake, a lot to lose, and the stakes will keep getting higher, but you shouldn’t stop enjoying the game and having fun. I think that is something that seems to be missing these days, and if players bring that back, they will be a lot happier.”
After struggling for consistency since their debut in 2022, LSG starts the upcoming season with renewed aspirations under Pant and head coach Justin Langer.
When asked about his thoughts ahead of the upcoming IPL season, Pant responded: “I think I am in a good space, physically and mentally. I like to work on myself every day, and I enjoy that, because you have to spend time with yourself to keep improving. As long as you are playing cricket, that matters.
“All the seniors I speak to tell me that in cricket, you can’t take it lightly even for a day. Today could be your day, but tomorrow it might not be, and that could change again the day after.
“So, just keep working hard. Decision-making and handling situations are important, but consistently working on yourself to improve, even when things are going your way, is important. I believe there are only two scenarios in life, either you’re doing good or you’re doing okay, there is nothing called bad.”
