During the 2025 IPL mega auction, Lucknow Super Giants secured Pant for ₹27.4 crore, marking him as the most expensive player in the tournament's history at that time. However, the high-profile signing did not translate into the anticipated on-field success. The team finished seventh in 2025 and dropped to 10th in 2026, with Pant contributing 581 runs across 28 appearances during his time with the side.
Addressing the relationship and performance
Following the conclusion of the 2026 season, both parties confirmed they would be moving in different directions. Addressing the speculation surrounding their professional relationship, Goenka dismissed reports of internal friction. Speaking on the Shubhankar Mishra podcast, the owner emphasized that his rapport with the player remains positive and that their communication extended beyond the formal end of the contract.
Goenka noted that he remains fond of the cricketer, highlighting his personality and the lighthearted nature of their interactions. He revealed that the pair have even discussed plans to meet for dinner, countering narratives that suggested a strained environment. Regarding the scrutiny over the massive financial outlay, Goenka maintained that the value of such signings is inherently subjective and dependent on the final results, comparing the situation to previous high-value acquisitions like Ben Stokes.
Moving forward after the split
The departure of Pant marks a significant shift for the Lucknow franchise, which has since moved to bolster its squad by signing India wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. For Pant, the transition involves a return to his former team, the
The move back to his previous franchise comes with a notable change in financial terms, as the wicketkeeper-batter accepted a deal worth ₹12 crore. This represents a substantial reduction from the record-setting salary he commanded during his two-year stint in Lucknow. As both the franchise and the player embark on new chapters, the focus now shifts to their respective performances in the upcoming tournament cycles.
