Rishabh Pant’s tough run with the bat in IPL 2025 continued on Monday night, as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper failed to make an impact once again during the clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Coming in at No.3, a promotion above Nicholas Pooran, Pant was expected to build on a solid platform laid by the openers.
But the move backfired as he could muster only 7 runs off 6 balls, managing just one boundary before falling to a brilliant piece of fielding by SRH pacer Eshan Malinga. LSG had gotten off to a dream start with Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram hammering the SRH bowlers in the powerplay.
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Their 115-run partnership gave Lucknow a strong base, with both batters showing aggressive intent and clean hitting. However, once Marsh fell in the 11th over, Pant walked in under pressure to sustain the momentum.
Magnificent Malinga! 🪽😮
Athleticism on display from Eshan Malinga as he grabs a stunner to send back Rishabh Pant! 👌#LSG 133/2 after 13 overs.
Updates ▶ https://t.co/GNnZh90u7T#TATAIPL | #LSGvSRH | @SunRisers pic.twitter.com/5rSouA8Kw0
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 19, 2025
Facing the final ball of the 12th over from Malinga, Rishabh Pant tried to work a slower delivery but ended up chipping it back towards the bowler. Malinga, showcasing sharp reflexes in his follow-through, leaped to his left and plucked a stunning two-handed catch while tumbling down — a moment of sheer brilliance that left Pant stunned.
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As Pant trudged off with disappointment etched on his face, cameras captured LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka visibly frustrated, walking away from the stands. It was yet another blow for the struggling skipper, whose underwhelming returns this season have become a growing concern for the Lucknow franchise.
With the playoffs race heating up, LSG will be hoping their captain finds form quickly before it’s too late.
