Former Indian cricketer Amit Mishra has shared his insights into the changing leadership dynamics within the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) following a significant transition after IPL 2024. According to Mishra, while KL Rahul had a dominant role in taking major decisions during his captaincy, the decision-making process this season appears far more decentralised. Mishra also pointed out that the media has perhaps exaggerated the narrative around the LSG owners being overly demanding.
After a major squad overhaul post-IPL 2024, Lucknow decided to part ways with KL Rahul and brought in Rishabh Pant, who became the most expensive signing in IPL history. Reflecting on the leadership style during Rahul’s tenure, Mishra, who represented Lucknow in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, said, “Last year when I spoke with JL (Justin Langer), he told me that KL Rahul was in full control, he was doing all of the work. He was setting the playing XI and doing the planning. This year, I don’t think that is the case,” Mishra said during a recent show.
Highlighting the contrast this season, Mishra observed more collaborative efforts within the team’s decision-making setup. “I think everyone is involved. If you see Pant in the dugout, he is talking with Zak (Zaheer Khan). I also saw Rathi talk with Langer,” he added, suggesting a much more inclusive leadership structure at play.
Lucknow, however, finds itself in a precarious position in the IPL 2025 points table after completing 10 games. The management had come under scrutiny, especially after Sanjiv Goenka’s public exchange with Kl Rahul sparked debate around ownership interference.
Responding to those criticisms, Mishra shared his experience, saying, “If you talk about the owners, I never felt that they were involved too much. The owner never raised his voice or said anything wrong in the dressing room, he was always positive. I think the media did a little too much show-off,” he concluded.
As the season nears its business end, Lucknow’s journey remains one to watch — both on and off the field.
