Despite facing mounting criticism for his performance in IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant has received strong backing from former cricketer Zaheer Khan. Pant, who was bought for INR 27 crore in the 2025 auction, has had a tough season so far, managing just 110 runs in 10 matches at a low average of 12.22 and a strike rate of only 98.
Struggles with Batting: Rishabh Pant’s Tough Start
Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025 campaign has been far from ideal, with several low scores and a lack of consistency at the top of the order. His poor shot selection has led to disappointment, particularly when he was dismissed for a duck after just two balls in a match against Mumbai Indians. Despite these setbacks, the pressure of captaincy at a new franchise has not deterred Pant’s optimism.
Zaheer Khan’s Unwavering Support for Pant
Zaheer Khan, who is currently mentoring the LSG team, expressed confidence in Pant’s abilities, both as a leader and a batsman. Speaking about Pant’s leadership qualities, Zaheer stated, “As a leader, he is ticking all the boxes. As a batter, the middle-order is dependent on Rishabh, and I am very confident that the impact we want from him will come.” Zaheer also mentioned that Pant’s lack of form is just a temporary phase, saying, “It’s just about something clicking.”
Zaheer’s backing stems from his long association with Pant, having played alongside him at Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2016. He emphasized that Pant’s positive and optimistic personality would help him bounce back from this rough patch. Zaheer believes that the IPL’s pressure does not faze Pant, as he has shown resilience in the past.
Leadership and Responsibility: Pant’s Role in LSG’s Playoff Push
While Pant’s batting form has raised concerns, Zaheer sees him as an irreplaceable figure for the team’s leadership. “When you’re talking about a team, you’re talking about winning the tournament. We’ve identified Rishabh as that leader who is going to take this team forward, so there is no doubt about that,” Zaheer affirmed.
LSG are currently sitting with a 5-5 record in the IPL 2025 standings, and their next few matches are crucial for their playoff hopes. Despite two back-to-back losses, Zaheer has placed his faith in Pant and the team’s match-winners to turn things around. With high-pressure games coming up, Zaheer remains optimistic about LSG’s chances.
Looking Ahead: LSG’s Playoff Aspirations
LSG’s next challenge will be against fellow playoff contenders, Punjab Kings, in Dharamsala. With a solid chance to make the playoffs, the team’s performance in the final stages of the tournament will be critical. Zaheer believes the pressure in the final phase will only bring out the best in the players. “We know that in the back-end of the tournament now, the pressure is going to be high, so that’s the focus,” Zaheer said.
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