'Champions Always Bounce Back': Langer Predicts Rishabh Pant's IPL 2026 Revival
Synopsis
Lucknow Super Giants' head coach Justin Langer expresses confidence in Rishabh Pant's comeback for IPL 2026. With training under Yuvraj Singh, Pant is set to reclaim his form, proving that champions rise quickly from challenges.
Key Takeaways
Justin Langer expresses optimism for Rishabh Pant 's recovery.
Pant is a key player for Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming IPL 2026 .
He has been training with Yuvraj Singh to regain form.
Pant is the most expensive IPL player with a Rs 27 crore contract.
Despite challenges, he has a strong track record in the IPL.
New Delhi, March 14 (NationPress) - The head coach of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Justin Langer, is optimistic about skipper Rishabh Pant making a significant comeback in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which kicks off on March 28. Langer asserts that champions like Pant are quick to recover from setbacks.
Pant, who is set to be a pivotal player for LSG this season, has been diligently preparing during training following a tough period. Recently, he trained with India's cricketing legend, Yuvraj Singh, in a brief camp in Mumbai.
Langer noted that the 26-year-old is already showcasing encouraging signs as the new season approaches, and the team holds high hopes for their captain.
“He'll be ready to go. He's currently in training. We've got a camp happening right now, so I will see him in a few days. He’s in great form, and as I mentioned earlier, champions don’t stay down for long. We witnessed his brilliance in his last IPL game last year, and we carry those expectations for him this season,” Langer shared with ESPNCricinfo.
Pant, the most expensive player in IPL history with a Rs 27 crore deal, has not participated in competitive cricket since suffering a side strain while batting before India's ODI series against New Zealand in Vadodara in January.
Despite a challenging run in IPL 2025, where he managed only 269 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 133.16, his lowest since his debut in the tournament in 2016, he remains a formidable wicketkeeper-batter. Although he scored an unbeaten 118 in LSG's final league match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it was insufficient to prevent the team's seventh-place finish in the points table.
Regardless of his recent performance, Pant is still regarded as one of the most dynamic wicketkeeper-batters in the IPL, known for his fearless batting style. Over his career, he has accumulated more than 3,200 runs in over 110 matches at a strike rate exceeding 145, which includes two centuries and 19 fifties.
Point of View
The narrative surrounding Rishabh Pant's recovery and return to form in IPL 2026 is significant. His journey reflects the tenacity inherent in elite athletes, emphasizing the importance of resilience in sports.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does IPL 2026 start?
IPL 2026 is set to commence on March 28.
Who is Rishabh Pant's coach?
Rishabh Pant is coached by Justin Langer, head coach of Lucknow Super Giants.
What was Rishabh Pant's performance in IPL 2025?
In IPL 2025, Rishabh Pant scored 269 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 133.16.
What injury did Rishabh Pant suffer?
Rishabh Pant suffered a side strain before India's ODI series against New Zealand.
Who did Rishabh Pant train with recently?
Rishabh Pant trained with Yuvraj Singh in a recent camp in Mumbai.
