Rishabh Pant, now leading Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), is renowned for his aggressive stroke play. However, his shot selection during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy came under intense scrutiny. In the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), he attempted an audacious shot to third man, only to be caught out cheaply.
This prompted an explosive reaction from legendary cricketer-turned-commentator Sunil Gavaskar, who labelled Pant’s decision as “stupid, stupid, stupid!” Months later, Pant was seen lightheartedly mimicking Gavaskar’s commentary, a moment that quickly gained traction among fans. Sunil Gavaskar’s criticism, aired live on ABC Sport, was sharp and direct.
“You’ve got two fielders there, and you still go for that shot. You missed the previous one, and now look where you’ve been caught. This is throwing your wicket away. You cannot say that’s your natural game—this is a stupid shot. This is letting your team down badly. You have to understand the situation as well,” he remarked. The batting legend even went as far as to say, “He should not be going in that [India’s] dressing room; he should be going in the other dressing room.”
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Despite the setback, Pant remained a hot commodity in the IPL 2025 mega auction, becoming the most expensive player in the league’s history. Lucknow Super Giants went all out, securing him for a record-breaking ₹27 crore after a fierce bidding war with his former franchise, Delhi Capitals (DC).
— a. 🎀 (@incessantkohli) March 17, 2025
DC tried to retain him via the Right to Match (RTM) card, but LSG’s determination ensured they landed the star wicketkeeper-batter. Rishabh Ahead of IPL 2025, Pant was seen in a video posted by LSG, motivating his squad and emphasizing the importance of experience within the team.
“I feel there’s a lot of experience in this group. The management has tremendous knowledge, and we have senior players who can guide the younger guys. It’s crucial to keep sharing our insights and letting that wisdom flow into the squad,” he said.
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The left-hander also spoke about fostering a positive team culture. “We want to create an environment where players can express themselves. It’s easier said than done—it takes effort from every individual. It’s not just the management’s responsibility; it’s on us as players to back each other. If you trust your teammates, they can perform at any level,” Pant added.
Having missed out on game time during India’s Champions Trophy 2025 triumph, Pant is now eager to make an impact in LSG colours. His much-anticipated return to action will be on March 24, when Lucknow Super Giants take on Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam.
