In one of the most dramatic finishes of IPL 2025, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has pointed to Rishabh Pant’s subtle delaying tactics as a key factor behind the Rajasthan Royals’ collapse in the final overs against Lucknow Super Giants. Lucknow clinched a nail-biting two-run victory in Jaipur, with Avesh Khan delivering a clutch final over that turned the game on its head.
Speaking after the match, Kaif highlighted how a series of calculated pauses—ball change, mid-over discussions, and Avesh Khan’s interrupted run-up—broke the rhythm of the RR batters. “The final over started at 11:07 PM IST and dragged on for 10 minutes. Pant took his time, and the batters were left waiting at the crease. It wasn’t accidental—it was tactical,” Kaif explained in a video on X (formerly Twitter).
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Mohammad Kaif also drew parallels to the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where Pant had theatrically summoned the physios during South Africa’s chase. “When Klaasen and Miller were in control needing 30 off 30, Pant pretended to be injured to halt the momentum. It worked then, and it worked now,” Kaif added.
Rishabh pant’s captaincy is highly underrated!💙 pic.twitter.com/cl541IWfiG
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 19, 2025
This isn’t the first time Pant has used such tactics this season either. Earlier in April, he pulled a similar stunt in LSG’s narrow four-run win over KKR, collapsing before the 13th over and slowing the game’s pace.
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While Pant’s antics made headlines, Avesh Khan deserves immense credit for holding his nerve under pressure. With RR needing just 25 off 18 balls and sitting comfortably at 156/2, Avesh bowled two brilliant overs, taking the wickets of Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal and finishing with figures of 3/37. He defended nine runs in the final over to seal a memorable win. Lucknow’s next test will be at home against Delhi Capitals on April 22.
