IPL 2025: Ambati Rayudu questions Rishabh Pant’s role in LSG batting order after string of failures

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant's performance in IPL 2025 has drawn criticism, and former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has come out in the open to criticize Pant for his obstinacy in his batting style and position. Pant, who was acquired at a whopping ₹27 crore at the auction, has not lived up to expectations with both bat and as captain.

Pant has made only 128 runs in 10 innings this season, with a run of poor form that includes six single-digit scores and just one half-century. While LSG had a great start to the season, Pant's failure to score runs was not noticed at first, but as the team's campaign has begun to falter, his performance is being scrutinized intensely. Against Punjab Kings in a recent match, while pursuing a massive 237, Pant could muster 18 runs from 17 deliveries before mistiming a big hit and losing his wicket—citing him for criticism from Rayudu.

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Talking on a sports program, Rayudu commented, "I think he's being quite obstinate about how he wants to do things. It's not going in his favor right now." He further added that Pant needs to admit that he is struggling and experiment with new ways rather than sticking to a failed recipe. Rayudu also expressed doubt over Pant's middle-order credentials and suggested that he would be more effective as an opener in T20 cricket, citing that he lacks the proper mindset to regulate the game from No. 4.

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Rishabh Pant’s Scores in IPL 2025:

• vs PBKS: 18 (17 balls)
• vs MI: 4 (2 balls)
• vs DC: 0 (2 balls)
• vs RR: 3 (9 balls)
• vs CSK: 63 (49 balls)
• vs GT: 21 (18 balls)
• vs KKR: 0 (0 balls)
• vs MI: 2 (6 balls)
• vs PBKS: 2 (5 balls)
• vs SRH: 15 (15 balls)

With only 10 points from 11 matches and a poor net run rate of -0.469, LSG must win all their remaining games and hope for favorable results elsewhere. For that to happen, Pant’s form must improve rapidly.