Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant is not performing well with the bat in IPL 2025. On Tuesday, during a match against the Punjab Kings at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, he batted at number 4 but managed to score only 2 runs from 5 balls.
Rishabh Pant’s per-ball cost shocks fans: Is LSG’s ₹27 crore bet backfiring?
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, easily chased the target in just 16.2 overs, losing only 2 wickets. Prabhsimran Singh (69 runs) and Iyer (52 runs) both played well, helping PBKS secure their second straight win in the tournament.
The loss was disappointing, but what stood out the most was Rishabh Pant’s poor performance and the reaction of LSG’s owner, Sanjiv Goenka.
LSG had spent a record Rs 27 crore on Pant during the IPL 2025 mega auction, hoping he would lead the team to success. However, his batting has not been good so far.
In LSG’s first match against the Delhi Capitals, he got out without scoring any runs after facing six balls. In the second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he scored only 15 runs from 15 balls. His latest poor performance against the Punjab Kings has made people question whether he was the right choice as captain.
A costly bet on Pant?
With only three matches played in IPL 2025, there is still time for players to improve their form. However, fans and cricket analysts are already questioning LSG’s decision to make Pant their captain, especially when experienced players like Nicholas Pooran are in the team. So far, Pant’s contribution with the bat has been:
- 0 (6) vs Delhi Capitals
- 15 (15) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
- 2 (5) vs Punjab Kings
Because LSG spent a huge amount of money on Pant, many people are questioning if they made the right decision. His poor performance has put extra pressure on the team, especially since they have lost two out of their three matches. Meanwhile, Nicholas Pooran, who has been playing well, is being seen by fans as a better option for captain.
Owner Sanjiv Goenka faces criticism again
LSG’s owner, Sanjiv Goenka, has been trending on social media once again, but for all the wrong reasons. His disappointment was evident after the recent loss, and fans have started questioning his decision to spend Rs 27 crore on Pant. Many are reminded of his previous controversial incident with former LSG captain KL Rahul.
During IPL 2024, LSG suffered a humiliating defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where SRH’s Abhishek Sharma (75* off 28) and Travis Head (89* off 30) chased down LSG’s target of 165 runs in less than 10 overs. After the match, Goenka was seen having an intense conversation with KL Rahul, making animated hand gestures. The moment was caught on camera and went viral, sparking criticism from fans. Later, LSG decided to release Rahul, and he was picked up by Delhi Capitals for Rs 14 crore in the 2025 auction.
Rahul later admitted that Goenka’s reaction affected not just him but the entire LSG squad. In an interview with Star Sports, he said, “Whatever happened on the field after the game wasn’t the nicest thing to be part of or something that anyone wants to see on the cricket field. I think it did affect the entire group.”
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