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Rishabh Pant was seen having a lively discussion with LSG mentor Zaheer Khan an over before he was dismissed for a duck.
Zaheer Khan (left) has a chat with Rishabh Pant (Credit: JioHotstar)
The ongoing IPL 2025 has been quite ordinary for Rishabh Pant as batter. The Lucknow Super Giants captain has managed just 106 runs in eight innings at an average of 13.25 and a strike-rate of 96.36. He has one half-century and two ducks – the second of which came during an eight-wicket defeat to neighbours Delhi Capitals on Tuesday night.
Pant surprisingly came to bat at no.7 for LSG in the 20th over and endured a painful two-ball stay that saw him missing a wild swing before being cleaned up by Mukesh Kumar while going for a switch hit.
Moments before his arrival to the crease, the TV cameras switched to a lively discussion involving Pant and LSG mentor Zaheer Khan.
While it wasn’t clear what the two were having a conversation about, Anil Kumble and Suresh Raina, who were on air for the hind commentary, speculated that it may have to do with the wicketkeeper-batter’s batting position.
“Maybe if you want to play without any pressure, can come a little late but this is too late. Rishabh Pant looks frustrated and it’s clear it wasn’t the right call. He should have batted earlier. Was it his decision or coach Justin Langer or mentor Zaheer Khan? Pant looks quite frustrated,” said Kumble.
Raina chimed in.
“There are 20 overs. You have to later do the wicketkeeping too and defend this low total. It think he’s discussing with Zaheer Khan that ‘I told you, should’ve sent me before.'” said the former India batter.
Kumble then advised Pant to use channelise the anger on the field.
“In such instances, you have to make peace. He’s the captain and whatever anger there is, channelise it on the field,” he said.
LSG managed 159/6 after being put in to bat first at the Ekana Cricket Stadium with opener Aiden Markram hitting a half-century. In reply, half-centuries from KL Rahul and Abhishek Porel helped DC chase down the target in 17.5 overs.
