In What’s Turning out to be a season of frustration for Rishabh Pant, The Lucknow Super GINTS (LSG) Skipper once against Again Found Himself at the Center of a Dramatic IPL MOMENT – SHIS THIS THIS THISEL MOMENT Explosive Strokeplay, but for an animated exchange with Team Mentor Zaheer Khan Just Before a Puzzling Two-Ball DUCK Against DELHI CAPITALS (DC). The episode not only Raised Questions About His Role In the LSG Batting Order but also open up a broader debate around Leadership Clarity and Team Tactics in HIGH-PRESSURE MATCHES.
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– Sᴜɢᴀʀ (@sugar_sai_gill) April 22, 2025 Pant’s Puzzling Entry at No.7 – A Captain Left Waiting
In Tuesday Night’s Clash at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, LSG Well-Placed at 99/2 after 12 overs. But in a move that stunned fans and commentators alike, pant was help back until the very last over – Eventuly walking in at no.7 with just just two balls left to factor.
His Arrival was met with Visible Frustration, and Within Seconds, He was back in the dugout – Bowled by mukesh kumar after a fled switch hit atmpt. The decision to delay his entry came under immediati scrutiny, especially given the stakes and the poor form he’s endured so far this season: 106 runs in 8 innings, averaging 13.25 at a strik-rate of just 96.36.
Zaheer Khan, Justin Langer, Or Pant? Who made the call?
TV cameras cavet a fiery discussion between pant and zaheer khan in the dugout even even before he took the field. The nature of the animated chat fuled speculation about the tactical call.
Was pant’s late entry part of a pre-plansned strategy devised by Head Coach Justin Langer and Zaheer Khan? Or was it pant’s own decision gone wrong?
Former Cricketers Anil Kumble and Suresh Raina, on Air during the hindi commentary, offered sharp insights:
“Rishabh looks frustrated. IT’s clear it wasn’t the right call. He should’ve’ve batted earlier.
Raina added,
“He probally told zaheer, ‘i should’ve gone in earlier.’ You’ve Got 20 overs, and you’re the captain.
Missed Momentum and DC’s Dominance
LSG, Despite An 87-R Open Opening Stand by Aiden Markram, Collapsed to 159/6 after a mid-innings stutter. DC, on the other hand, chased down the target in just 17.5 overs-Powered by half-centuries from kl rahul and abhishek porel.
Mukesh Kumar’s Brilliant 4/33 Spell derailed LSG’s Middle Order, and by the Time Pant Arrived at the Crease, it was far too late for damage control.
Pant’s post-match reflection-a hint of regret
When asked about the batting order decision, pant explained that the idea was to experience with match-ups and conditions:
“The idea was to capitalise with samad, then miller. We get stuck on the wicket.
His comments, thought diplomatic, hinted at internal confusion – A theme that … Increasingly Evident in LSG’s Incons Special Campaign.