Rishabh Pant Slams IPL 2026 Release Rumors: “Fake News, Let’s Be Responsible”

Rishabh Pant Fires Back at Rumors About His IPL Future: “Fake News, Let’s Be Responsible”

If you’ve been following the IPL buzz lately, you probably came across some spicy rumors about Lucknow Super Giants’ captain Rishabh Pant. Word on social media was that LSG might be ready to let go of their star wicketkeeper-batsman before the IPL 2026 auction. But Pant wasn’t having any of it — he slammed those reports hard, calling them outright “fake news.”

The Rough Ride of IPL 2025 for Pant

It’s no secret that Pant had a tough season in IPL 2025. The guy who once lit up the tournament with his explosive batting seemed to lose his touch this year. Over the course of 12 matches, Pant managed just 135 runs from 135 balls. Yep, an average of one run per ball, but that’s really low when you’re expected to be a match-winner. This dip in form didn’t just hurt Pant’s stats — it took a toll on LSG’s overall campaign.

Lucknow, despite having a solid squad, fell short and got knocked out after a disappointing loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Fans and critics alike started speculating on what went wrong, and naturally, Pant’s struggle at the crease came under the microscope.

The Rumors That Set Twitter on Fire

Things got more intense when a post on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that Lucknow was planning to release Pant ahead of the next IPL auction. The reasoning? His hefty price tag of Rs. 27 Crore was apparently too much for the franchise to justify given his recent performances.

For context, remember that Pant was snapped up for a massive Rs. 27 Crore in the auction — a clear sign of how highly LSG valued him. So, this rumor hit a nerve. It wasn’t just about numbers; it felt like a public questioning of Pant’s worth and place in the team.

Pant’s Calm and Clear Response

Rather than ignore the chatter or let frustration take over, Pant chose to respond with calm and maturity. Ahead of LSG’s match against Gujarat Titans (GT), Pant took to social media and addressed the rumor directly.

Here’s the heart of what he said:

“I understand fake news gives more traction to content, but let’s not build everything around it. A little sense and credible news will help more rather than making fake news with agenda. Thanks, have a good day. Let’s be responsible and sensible about what we put out on social media.”

This was a powerful statement not just to the rumor mill, but to all fans and followers who consume and spread news online. Pant emphasized the importance of credibility and responsibility in the digital age — something that can often get lost when misinformation goes viral.

Why This Matters

Rishabh Pant isn’t just a player; he’s a captain and a leader. Handling pressure on and off the field is part of his job, and dealing with rumors is a tough challenge many athletes face. Pant’s decision to publicly call out fake news shines a light on a bigger issue — the impact of social media on athletes’ mental health and team dynamics.

Here are some key takeaways from Pant’s statement and the situation around it:

• Fake News Spreads Quickly: In the age of instant updates and social media frenzy, rumors can spread like wildfire, often without any basis.

• Player Reputation at Stake: False news can damage the morale and reputation of players, especially when linked to performance or contract status.

• Responsibility on Fans and Media: There’s a call to be more mindful and fact-check before sharing or believing everything online.

• The Price Tag Pressure: Being bought for a big sum raises expectations, and any dip in form gets magnified under the spotlight.

• Mental Toughness: Pant’s composed response highlights his mental strength amid criticism and uncertainty.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Pant and LSG?

While the rumors have been put to rest by Pant himself, questions about his future remain part of the larger IPL narrative. Will Lucknow keep faith in their captain and the hefty investment they made? Or will changes come ahead of the IPL 2026 season?

Some points to watch in the coming months:

• Will Pant bounce back? Players go through rough patches — a strong comeback could reaffirm his place as a key LSG player.

• LSG’s strategy: The franchise may reconsider their squad balance and budgets; it’s possible they might look at new talent or reshuffle.

• Fan support: Despite the season’s struggles, Pant still enjoys strong backing from fans who remember his heroics in previous IPL campaigns.

• Social Media Dynamics: Pant’s call for sensible social media use could inspire a more positive and respectful online environment for cricketers.

Pant’s Journey: From Firecracker to Leader

To really appreciate the weight of this controversy, it’s worth remembering how Pant rose to prominence. Known for his fearless batting and incredible glove work behind the stumps, Pant quickly became a fan favorite. His aggressive style, quick reflexes, and ability to turn matches around made him one of the IPL’s most exciting players.

He’s not just a batsman; he’s a natural leader. Being entrusted with the captaincy at such a young age speaks volumes about his potential and character. Despite the hurdles this season, Pant’s leadership qualities remain unquestioned.

Final Thoughts: The Human Side of Sports

Rishabh Pant’s recent experience is a reminder that athletes are human, too. They face pressure, criticism, and rumors just like anyone else — maybe even more so because of their public lives.

Pant’s mature response to the rumors is a breath of fresh air in a world where clickbait and sensational headlines often overshadow facts. His appeal for responsibility and credible news reflects a growing need to support players beyond their stats and scorecards.

Quick Recap:

• Pant struggled in IPL 2025 with just 135 runs from 12 matches.

• LSG got knocked out after losing to SRH.

• Social media rumor suggested LSG might release Pant due to his high price tag.

• Pant publicly denied the rumors, calling them “fake news” and urged responsible social media use.

• The situation highlights challenges around player pressure, rumor spread, and mental health.

• Fans and experts will watch closely to see if Pant regains form and how LSG approaches the next auction.

All eyes will be on Rishabh Pant and Lucknow Super Giants in the coming months, but one thing is clear — Pant’s focus and attitude remain strong. Whether he continues to lead LSG or faces changes, his call for truth and responsibility is a powerful message in today’s cricket world.