Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025 campaign is turning into a growing concern, and Friday’s outing against the Mumbai Indians did little to ease that. The Lucknow Super Giants skipper managed just 2 runs off 6 deliveries, marking his second straight single-digit score and extending a poor run of form this season. So far, his scores read: 0, 15, 2, and 2 — numbers far from what LSG and their fans expected from the star keeper-batter.
His latest dismissal came at the hands of his opposite number, Hardik Pandya. Bowling an off-cutter, Pandya induced a leading edge as Pant attempted an early shot. The ball popped up toward mid-off where Corbin Bosch completed a straightforward catch. It was Hardik’s second wicket of the night after sending back Nicholas Pooran earlier, and the MI skipper celebrated with understandable enthusiasm.
WATCH – Hardik Pandya’s Missed DRS Opportunity Leaves MI Frustrated Against LSG
But it wasn’t just on the field where reactions were telling. As Pant made his way back to the dugout, cameras quickly cut to LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka, whose wry smile from the VIP box said more than words could. With speculation already swirling after previous losses, netizens were quick to anticipate another tense chat between the LSG captain and the franchise’s top boss.
Hardik Pandya wins the battle of captains 💙
Rishabh Pant departs courtesy of an excellent catch by Corbin Bosch! 🔥
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/HHS1Gsaw71#TATAIPL | #LSGvMI | @mipaltan | @hardikpandya7 pic.twitter.com/bntlAsAx0P
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 4, 2025
At the toss, Rishabh Pant had maintained an optimistic tone, reiterating belief in the team’s fearless brand of cricket. “Some players haven’t clicked yet, including me, but we’re backing our intent,” he said. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya kept things pragmatic, calling for smart cricket and avoiding excuses around pitch conditions.
ALSO READ: James Franklin Admits SRH’s Death Bowling Let Them Down Against KKR
With pressure mounting, all eyes will be on how Rishabh Pant responds — not just with the bat, but in leading a side still searching for rhythm in this year’s IPL.
Rishabh Pant had planned to take revenge on the LSG owner, so he promised Rahul that he wud score 54 runs, for which he would get 50 lakhs per run. This means that throughout the season, he would score only 54 runs. It seems like his promise is working.#LSGvsMI #MIvsLSG #IPL2025
— NEERAJ KUMAR JHA (@nnneeraj111) April 4, 2025
Lucknow super Gaint waste 27 crore on Rishabh pant.
He flops in game in IPL 18.
And score 20 runs in 5 matchs— Haroon Aziz (@HaroonAziz139) April 4, 2025
27 crores ka pressure nhi jhel paa raha h Rishabh pant
— Gulshan Yadav (@Gulshan_Yadav55) April 4, 2025
Rishabh Pant is the worst player for T20 in the world and giving him 27cr is just absolutely ridiculous. Sanjiv Goenka … kya peeke auction mei aaye the aap ? #LSGvsMI pic.twitter.com/to6df5RDiE
— Abhishek (@im_abhishek10) April 4, 2025
Sanjiv goenka buying Leather belt for Rishabh pant. #LSGvsMI
— Adarsh Raikwar (@intothe_wild1) April 4, 2025
Rishabh pant ka t20 se career khatm hai ab #LSGvsMI #BCCI #Rishabhpant
— Ritik Srivastava (@RitikSriva75) April 4, 2025
