IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant Under Scanner as LSG Face Formidable Gujarat Titans
LUCKNOW: The spotlight is firmly on Rishabh Pant, captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), as his team prepares for a high-stakes showdown against the Gujarat Titans at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Pant, who became the most expensive player in Indian Premier League (IPL) history during the 2025 auction with a staggering 27 crore bid, has been struggling to find his batting rhythm this season. Despite intense net sessions, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman has managed only 19 runs off 32 deliveries in four innings—a worrying stat for a player of his caliber.
However, LSG have managed to mask Pant’s personal slump with a commendable team performance. With three wins in five matches, they sit at fifth on the points table, buoyed by back-to-back victories over Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Yet, the road ahead looks daunting as they face a Titans side led by the in-form Shubman Gill, who have dominated the league with four wins in five games, claiming the top spot on the table.
Historically, Gujarat Titans hold the upper hand over LSG, having won four out of five encounters since both franchises entered the IPL in 2022. For LSG, this match offers a chance to overturn that record and solidify their playoff credentials. Pant, known for his aggressive leadership and game-changing knocks, will be desperate to lead from the front and silence his critics.
The Ekana Stadium, often dubbed a spinners’ paradise, is expected to play a crucial role. LSG’s first home game this season on a red-soil pitch ended in defeat against Punjab Kings. However, a switch to a black-soil surface against MI saw them post a mammoth 203/8—their highest home total in three seasons. Reports suggest the black-soil pitch will be used again, potentially favoring LSG’s big hitters. Historical data backs this up, with Ekana’s average first-innings score in IPL matches hovering around 160, often due to the slow nature of the track.
LSG will bank on the explosive form of Nicholas Pooran, who has been a revelation this season with 288 runs in five innings, including three half-centuries. His blistering 87 not out off 36 balls against KKR showcased his destructive potential. Alongside Pooran, Mitchell Marsh has provided firepower, making the duo a significant threat to Gujarat’s bowling unit. On the other hand, Titans will rely on their balanced attack, spearheaded by Rashid Khan, whose leg-spin could exploit Ekana’s conditions, and pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj, who has been in lethal form this season.
As the clash looms, all eyes will be on Pant. Can the LSG skipper turn his fortunes around against a Titans side brimming with confidence? With playoff spots heating up, this encounter promises to be a cracker. Below are the likely playing XIs for both teams:
Likely Playing XIs:
Gujarat Titans (GT): Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna (Impact Player: Kulwant Khejroliya)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c/wk), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, Digvesh Rathi (Impact Player: Ravi Bishnoi)