Pant’s Frustration Boils Over After Shock Defeat Against Former Franchise
The highly anticipated IPL 2025 clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) delivered a dose of drama beyond the field as LSG captain Rishabh Pant stormed back to the dugout after a controversial decision saw him bat at No. 7. The decision proved costly, with LSG collapsing in the death overs and losing the match. What followed was a heated exchange between Pant and team mentor Zaheer Khan, now at the center of attention.
Big Money, Big Expectations—Minimal Returns
Acquired for a record-breaking ₹27 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, Pant’s move from the Delhi Capitals to LSG was one of the most talked-about stories ahead of the season. However, his performances have yet to justify the price tag. In both fixtures against DC this season, LSG came up short, raising questions about strategy and leadership under Pant’s captaincy.
The latest controversy erupted during LSG’s innings at the Ekana Stadium. Despite a strong start by Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, who put up a solid 87-run partnership, LSG finished with only 159/6. The decision to hold back Pant until the 7th position raised eyebrows across the cricketing world.
“I Told You, Send Me In”: Dugout Tension With Zaheer Khan
After being dismissed for a duck by Mukesh Kumar, Pant was visibly frustrated. Cameras caught an animated conversation between Pant and Zaheer Khan on the bench, fueling speculation that Pant had been overruled regarding his batting position. Former India cricketer Suresh Raina commented on the incident during a post-match show on Star Sports, saying:
“20 overs are left. You have to keep wickets and captain the side. You have to make your side win. He is discussing that with Zaheer Khan. ‘I told you, send me in’,” said Raina, interpreting Pant’s body language and lip movement.
Experts React: Was It Pant’s Call or the Management’s?
Former coach and cricket legend Anil Kumble expressed surprise at Pant’s demotion in the order. He speculated that the decision might have come from head coach Justin Langer or Zaheer Khan, rather than the captain himself:
“It’s alright if you wanted to bat more freely under less pressure by coming in late, but this was way too late. The kind of frustration Rishabh is showing is evident that he was wronged.”
Kumble also criticized Pant’s public display of frustration, urging him to channel that energy more constructively as the team’s leader. “He is the captain. He has to take it in a positive way. Whatever frustration or anger he has, he should translate that into positive performance,” Kumble added.
Leadership Under Scrutiny as LSG Search for Answers
This latest defeat puts more pressure on Pant and LSG as they struggle to build momentum in IPL 2025. Critics argue that inconsistent decision-making and a lack of strategic clarity are costing the franchise critical points.
LSG fans and analysts alike are now wondering whether the internal dynamics between Pant and the coaching staff—particularly Zaheer Khan and Justin Langer—are aligned or at odds. The decision to promote Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, and David Miller ahead of the team’s captain raised both tactical and ethical concerns.
What’s Next for Pant and LSG?
With the tournament heating up, all eyes will be on how LSG bounces back from this controversy. Will Pant assert more authority over tactical decisions moving forward? Will team management re-evaluate its communication process? Fans are hoping that clarity in leadership translates into better results on the pitch.
One thing is clear: IPL 2025 is not just delivering big hits and wickets—it’s also revealing the high-stakes pressure that comes with million-dollar expectations and fractured decision-making.
Category: Sports, Cricket, IPL 2025
Tags: Rishabh Pant, Zaheer Khan, IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi Capitals, Justin Langer, Anil Kumble, Suresh Raina, No. 7 batting order, IPL controversy, Ekana Stadium
