When Lucknow Super Giants face Chennai Super Kings on Monday, it will be a milestone moment for Rishabh Pant, who will become the 13th player in the IPL history to lead in 50 matches. However, Pant, the batter, has had a rocky start to the IPL 2025 season, scoring only 40 runs at a strike rate of 80 in six matches (five innings). In contrast, Pant, the leader, has shone brightly, guiding LSG to fourth place in the league table with four wins in six matches, despite an injury-plagued bowling attack.
For Pant, the batter, the challenge lies in regaining his form. He has struggled for fluency, batting mostly at number four, except in the last game against the Gujarat Titans, where he opened in the absence of Mitchell Marsh and scored 21 off 18 balls. The southpaw would be eager to turn things around with the bat, especially with the Asia Cup (T20 format) and the T20 World Cup cycle approaching after the IPL. Notably, Pant played a key role in India’s victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign.
As a captain, Pant’s tactical decisions and man-management skills have been evident. From fixing Nicholas Pooran at number three to using Shardul Thakur as the lead wicket-taker and turning rookie Digvesh Rathi into the main spinner amid Ravi Bishnoi’s inconsistent start, his captaincy has been spot-on, and it continues to grow.
Pant has won 28 of his first 49 IPL matches as captain, a record surpassed only by Gautam Gambhir (30), Sachin Tendulkar (29), Shane Warne (29) and Rohit Sharma (29) in terms of win percentage.
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LSG faced challenges early in IPL 2025, with Mohsin Khan ruled out due to an injury and Shardul called in as a replacement. Avesh Khan and Akash Deep missed the initial games while doing rehab at Bengaluru’s Centre of Excellence, and Mayank Yadav remains sidelined, awaiting clearance. In LSG’s opening match against Delhi Capitals, Pant had six bowling options – Thakur, M. Siddharth, Rathi, Bishnoi, Prince Yadav and Shahbaz Ahmed. DC won by one wicket, but LSG could have clinched the victory in the final over. Pant’s decision to hand the ball to Shahbaz, considering that the ball was gripping on the Vizag pitch, was clever but undone by fielding errors, including a missed stumping by Pant and a run-out opportunity.
Against KKR at Eden Gardens, Pant’s leadership shone through. When Rathi was bowling, Pant’s stump-mic chatter was clear: “You bowl, I’ll set the field.” This showcased his hands-on approach and ability to back his bowlers. Pant has consistently motivated his bowling unit in previous matches as well. When Andre Russell threatened in the 16th over of the chase, he brought in the experienced Shardul, who dismissed Russell in the first ball. Earlier, Pant prioritised in-form batters like Abdul Samad and David Miller ahead of him, helping LSG post an imposing 238.
In the game against Gujarat Titans, Pant instructed Rathi to bowl wide of Sherfane Rutherford’s reach. Though Rutherford skied the next ball, Pant misjudged a high catch. Still, his game awareness was evident and there have been numerous instances where his advice to bowlers has benefited LSG. Despite managing a half-injured, half-rusty bowling attack, Pant has been nurturing talents like Rathi, Siddharth and Prince Yadav.
While Pant, the batter, is still finding his groove to bolster LSG’s chances in the tournament’s crucial phase, Pant, the captain, has seamlessly marshalled his troops to a strong start. Can he do it again, this time in front of his idol, IPL’s most experienced and successful captain, MS Dhoni? The stage is set for a gripping clash at Ekana Stadium on Monday.
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