Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant, batting at No. 4, managed to score just 2 runs off 5 balls for LSG against Punjab Kings at Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Asked to bat first, LSG scored 171/7 on the scoreboard, thanks to useful innings from Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni who made 44 and 41 runs respectively.
In reply, Punjab Kings acted swiftly as Shreyas Iyer’s team reached the LSG target with 22 balls remaining and 8 wickets left. Prabhsimran Singh (69) and captain Iyer (52) struck impressive fifties to secure a second straight victory for the unbeaten PBKS in the current IPL season. Beaten comprehensively, all focus quickly turned to captain Rishabh Pant and LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka. But for what reason?
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Lucknow Super Giants signed 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction last year, aiming to provide the franchise a fresh beginning under new leadership; however, the BGT star has not yet made an impact with the bat while wearing the LSG jersey.
In the IPL 2025 opener, Pant faced six balls but was unable to score against his previous team, the Delhi Capitals.
In their second match, LSG achieved a win over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, successfully chasing the SRH target of 191 runs in just 17 overs. Here, Pant managed to score only 15 runs off 15 balls.
Pant’s scores for for LSG so far in IPL 2025: 0 (6), 15 (15), 2 (5).
Following consecutive disappointments, Pant, who was the highest-priced player in the IPL 2025 auction in November, was anticipated to perform and validate his INR 27 crore valuation. However, the batter was unable to provide any significant help to his team.
As Lucknow Super Giants prepare to host Mumbai Indians in their upcoming match, Pant will feel increased pressure if his team does not secure a victory against PBKS.
