Tensions flared in the Lucknow Super Giants camp during their recent clash against the Delhi Capitals, as skipper Rishabh Pant appeared visibly frustrated during an intense conversation with team mentor Zaheer Khan. The moment came after a surprising decision in the batting order left many scratching their heads — Pant, one of LSG’s key finishers, came in to bat at No. 7, facing just two balls in the entire innings.

With LSG well-placed at 99/2 after Nicholas Pooran’s dismissal in the 12th over, most expected Pant to walk in at No. 4. Instead, Abdul Samad was sent ahead — a tactical call that didn’t pay off, as Samad managed just 2 off 8 deliveries. Former India coach and commentator Anil Kumble questioned the move, suggesting Pant was “wronged” by the decision.

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“It’s okay to try and manage pressure by coming in later, but this was too late. Pant looked clearly upset. Was it his call, or that of coach Justin Langer or Zaheer Khan?” Anil Kumble said on Star Sports.

Pant, when asked post-match, defended the move as a strategy to “capitalise” on the pitch conditions. “We sent Samad to try and make the most of the surface. Then Miller came in, and we just got stuck,” Pant said. “These are things we need to work through and find our best combination.”

Unfortunately for LSG, the strategy fell flat. Pant, coming in with just two balls left, departed for a duck, and Lucknow posted a modest 159/6. Delhi chased down the target with ease, handing LSG a crushing eight-wicket defeat.

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Reflecting on the result, Pant also pointed to the toss as a key factor, claiming the surface played better in the second innings. LSG’s campaign now hinges on their next fixture against Mumbai Indians on April 27 — a must-win, especially with team dynamics and leadership calls under the spotlight.