Mayank Yadav, the express pacer from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has stepped up to back his captain Rishabh Pant, who has come under fire for his underwhelming performances in IPL 2025. Amidst mounting pressure and criticism from both fans and cricket experts, Mayank insisted that Pant remains calm and composed despite the noise surrounding him.
Pant, who was picked as the most expensive player in the auction and appointed LSG skipper, has struggled to live up to expectations this season. His form with the bat has been far from convincing, scoring just 128 runs in 11 games, and questions are now being raised about both his place in the side and his leadership credentials. However, Mayank, who shares a long-standing rapport with Pant from their club cricket days in Delhi, painted a different picture.
“I’ve known Rishabh bhaiya for quite some time. We’ve played club cricket together in Delhi, and whenever I talk to him, he never looks stressed or under pressure,” said Mayank Yadav during a pre-match press conference. “He’s always clear-minded, talking about plans, game situations, and strategies against opposition batsmen.”
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LSG’s campaign has been inconsistent, and while they are still mathematically in contention for a playoff spot, their fate hangs in the balance. Pant’s lack of form, particularly his demotion to No. 7 in a crucial game against his former franchise, Delhi Capitals, sparked further debate about his confidence. His reactions from behind the stumps and in the dugout have only added to the chatter. Yet, Mayank offered a candid admission about the team’s overall shortcomings.
“We’ve made mistakes, especially in reading pitches and conditions. But we’ve got three games left, and if we can win those, the playoffs are still within reach,” he said.
Pant’s recent string of low scores—most recently 18 off 17 balls—has only deepened concerns. It’s the fourth time this season he’s been dismissed for under 20, and he’s managed to cross double digits in only four innings.
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On top of that, he has now lost his place in India’s limited-overs sides to KL Rahul, adding to the personal pressure. With a high-stakes clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru up next, LSG will be hoping their skipper finds his rhythm. For Mayank Yadav, though, belief in Pant remains firm.
