NEW DELHI: The IPL 2025 drama escalated when former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar brought back the iconic ‘Stupid, Stupid, Stupid’ phrase during a live television segment just before the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) faced off against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
The legendary cricketer’s remarks were sparked by a query from the presenter regarding LSG’s batting approach this season. This question came at a time when LSG is grappling with the absence of key players such as Mohsin Khan and the fast bowler Mayank Yadav, who have been sidelined due to injuries.
When asked if LSG’s aggressive batting strategy could be a response to the unavailability of their star bowlers, Gavaskar humorously shifted the conversation to Rishabh Pant, the dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batsman. He stated, I wish you had asked me this question a little while earlier because I spent a little time with Rishabh Pant, and I would have certainly asked him if that was the reason why you guys are playing like that. Maybe he would have responded, stupid, stupid, stupid question.
Gavaskar further elaborated on LSG’s strategy, saying, I think when you look at Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh, they’re naturally aggressive players. I think that’s the way they play and that’s so exciting to watch. And then there’s Rishabh Pant also coming down the order. So they really have the batting, and they obviously know that. Look, if they don’t have your sharp-edge bowlers, then you certainly need to put more runs on the board to give your other bowlers that much of a cushion in case they don’t have a good day.
LSG have thus far played two matches in IPL 2025, securing a victory in one and suffering a defeat in the other, underscoring the challenges they face amidst their player shortages.