Rishabh Pant, the captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), is under fire after his surprising decision to walk out to bat at No.7, facing only the final two balls in the IPL 2025 match against Delhi Capitals. The move baffled fans and experts alike as LSG slumped to a heavy 8-wicket defeat in Lucknow.
Experts Slam Pant’s Late Entry
Former cricketers Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, Anil Kumble, and Harbhajan Singh were among those who criticized the strategy on live broadcasts. Pant, one of LSG’s top players, was held back while struggling batters like Abdul Samad and David Miller came in earlier and failed to deliver.
Saba Karim, on the Hindi broadcast, said:
“You are the captain. You were needed when Nicholas Pooran was dismissed. This was your moment to lead by example.”
“What Strategy?” – Pant’s Leadership Under Scrutiny
The criticism stems not just from the decision but also the optics. Cameras showed Pant visibly upset in the dugout, sparking debate on whether he was overruled or made the decision himself.
“There’s no point in coming to bat for 2 balls. The team needed leadership in the middle,” Saba Karim added.
Pant’s Justification Falls Flat
After the game, Pant claimed the team wanted to “capitalise” on the pitch with Samad and Miller, but the decision backfired as LSG managed just 159/6 – a below-par total.
“Eventually, these are the things we have to figure out,” Pant said post-match, offering little clarity on the tactical call.
Leadership or Confusion?
With LSG still searching for consistency in IPL 2025, the spotlight is now on Rishabh Pant’s ability to lead under pressure. While Ayush Badoni showed promise, Pant’s No.7 blunder has cast doubts on the team’s strategy and his role as captain.
As IPL 2025 progresses, fans and analysts alike will closely watch if Pant can silence his critics — not just with the bat, but with clear decision-making and leadership.
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