Rishabh Pant’s poor form has become a growing concern for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) this IPL season. The skipper once again struggled with the bat, managing just four runs in LSG’s latest clash against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on April 27. With that defeat, LSG registered their fifth loss of the tournament, complicating their chances of making the playoffs.
Pant’s numbers paint a worrying picture. In 10 matches so far, he has accumulated only 110 runs at a dismal average of 12.22 and a strike rate of 98.21. The pressure seems magnified considering the hefty INR 27 crore LSG spent to acquire him at last year’s mega auction. However, LSG mentor Zaheer Khan has brushed aside any notions that the price tag is weighing Pant down, offering a measured and supportive take on the skipper’s struggles.
“I wouldn’t link it to the pressure of expectations. Rishabh has been a fantastic leader — I can personally vouch for that,” Zaheer said after the defeat to Mumbai. “His efforts to create a positive environment, ensuring every player feels heard and included, have been top-notch.”
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Zaheer Khan emphasized that Pant’s optimistic and resilient personality is an asset to the team. “What happened in the last game is already behind us. Rishabh remains positive, and so do we. It’s about carrying that spirit forward,” he added.
Rishabh Pant will start creating impact very soon: LSG mentor Zaheer Khan🎙️
“It’s just about something clicking. So I wouldn’t relate it to pressure”, Zaheer said.
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Addressing whispers about Pant’s captaincy future, Zaheer firmly backed the young wicketkeeper-batter to continue leading the side. “When you plan for a tournament, you trust someone to take the team forward. We believe Rishabh is that leader. Players hit form at different stages; that’s the nature of the game,” he explained.
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Zaheer also pointed out that with the business end of the season approaching, the pressure naturally intensifies. “It’s about finding that one innings, for any player, that can turn things around. It just takes one good knock,” he concluded.
Despite Pant’s struggles, LSG remain hopeful that their skipper will find his touch when it matters most, as the team looks to stay alive in the hunt for the playoffs.
