The pressure continues to mount on Rishabh Pant as his poor IPL 2025 campaign hit a new low during Lucknow Super Giants’ 37-run loss to Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The LSG skipper, batting at No. 4, managed just 18 runs off 17 balls before getting out in a bizarre and disappointing manner.
The Dismissal: Bat Flies, Hopes Crash
In the 8th over of the chase, Pant attempted to go big against Azmatullah Omarzai. However, while charging down the pitch, he lost control of his bat mid-shot — the bat flew toward square leg while the ball landed safely in the hands of Shashank Singh at sweeper cover.
Pant looked visibly frustrated, glancing skyward as he walked off, mouthing his disappointment.
Sanjiv Goenka’s Reaction Goes Viral
LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, present in the stands, was captured on camera with a resigned and disappointed expression after Pant’s dismissal. Earlier, Goenka was seen visibly upset when Nicholas Pooran was dismissed cheaply during the powerplay. His reaction quickly went viral, fueling speculation about internal dissatisfaction.
Social Media Turns Against Pant
With only 128 runs in 11 matches and a strike rate of 99.22, Pant has been heavily criticized on social media. Many fans called for him to be sacked as captain, especially given his record-breaking INR 27 crore price tag, the highest in IPL history. This season has officially become Pant’s worst since his IPL debut in 2016.
Playoffs Chances Slim for Lucknow
This defeat has severely impacted LSG’s playoff hopes, placing them in a tough spot with only a few league games remaining. Their next challenge will be against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 9, a must-win encounter to stay in the race.
Final Word
Rishabh Pant’s form and leadership are under the spotlight. With fans growing impatient and the team underperforming, all eyes will be on LSG’s response in their remaining matches.
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