Slammed! Rishabh Pant Under Fire for LSG’s Struggles in IPL 2025
New Delhi: In a thrilling encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Capitals (DC) clinched a commanding eight-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their IPL 2025 fixture on Tuesday. This defeat marks LSG’s fourth loss in nine matches, intensifying pressure on the team and their captain, Rishabh Pant.
During the match, Pant’s visible frustration in the dugout was hard to miss. The wicket-keeper batter was seen engaged in a heated discussion with LSG mentor Zaheer Khan after being dismissed for a duck. Pant batted at an unusually low position of number seven, entering the crease in the final over—a tactical misstep that raised eyebrows among fans and experts alike.
Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu did not hold back in his critique of Pant’s leadership and on-field decisions. “I feel Pant really needs to take the onus on himself. He must make decisions independently. These public displays of frustration are not a good look for a team aspiring to be at the top. Issues must be sorted behind closed doors, not aired out in the open,” Rayudu commented on a post-match analysis show.
Rayudu further emphasized the need for Pant to lead from the front, both with the bat and in strategy. “Pant cannot afford to give any more excuses. As captain, it’s his responsibility to steer the ship. LSG must consider reshuffling their batting order, with Pant moving up to a higher slot. Additionally, bringing back pace sensation Mayank Yadav could bolster their bowling attack. The tension surrounding the team is palpable, and it’s time for decisive action,” he added.
Pant’s form this season has been underwhelming, managing just 106 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 96.36. His lack of impact with the bat, coupled with questionable captaincy calls, has put him under the spotlight. In the post-match press conference, Pant admitted that LSG is yet to find their best combination, hinting at internal uncertainties within the camp. “We’re still figuring out what works for us. Every game is a learning curve, and we hope to bounce back stronger,” he stated.
LSG, currently languishing in the middle of the points table, face an uphill task to qualify for the playoffs. Their next challenge comes against the formidable Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium, a match that could be pivotal for their campaign. WithPant under pressure to deliver, fans will be hoping for a turnaround in fortunes for the Lucknow-based franchise.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on Rishabh Pant. Will he rise to the occasion and silence his critics, or will LSG’s struggles continue? Only time will tell, but for now, the captain’s sport demands a captain’s performance.