When Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spent INR 27 crore to acquire Rishabh Pant at the IPL 2025 mega-auction, they had high hopes. The franchise, which had performed well in the first two seasons, making the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, aimed for a fresh start. However, things went wrong in 2024 when they finished seventh. With Pant’s purchase, they hoped to turn things around.
But after two losses in three matches, the pressure is mounting, with Pant taking the heat. His scores of 0, 15, and 2 against Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings have raised concerns. This led to a tense conversation between Pant and owner Sanjiv Goenka after their 8-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings.
In a candid assessment, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh urged Lucknow Super Giants to address the ongoing issues surrounding Rishabh Pant’s form urgently. He expressed concern over Pant’s T20 performance, noting that his struggles extend beyond the IPL. “Rishabh Pant has yet to make a significant impression. He’s been unusually quiet with the bat, and his early dismissals are a major worry. He has been a big letdown for the team,” Harbhajan remarked on his YouTube channel.
Reflecting on LSG’s performance, he noted that the team faltered right after losing the toss. “They didn’t manage to put up a competitive score, which let them down. Nicholas Pooran played a fantastic knock, but once Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed him, LSG lost momentum completely. Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad did inject some late energy into the innings, pushing the total to a somewhat defendable score — but it was always going to be difficult against Punjab’s powerful batting line-up,” he added.
Praising Punjab Kings, Harbhajan said, “Winning against Lucknow on their home ground shows the level of cricket Punjab is playing. They’re finally coming together as a cohesive unit. This team has the potential to go the distance. Ricky Ponting deserves credit — he’s lifted the youngsters in a way only he can.”
