Don't Copy MS Dhoni- Rishabh Pant instructed on point-blank range

Out-of-favour Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara shared his thoughts on Rishabh Pant's role in the batting lineup after the IPL 2025 match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC). The veteran Indian batter stated that Pant should avoid trying to emulate legendary MS Dhoni’s role as a finisher.

Rishabh Pant faced criticism after his surprising decision to bat at No. 7 during the match at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday, April 22. Pant played only two deliveries and was dismissed without scoring. The Lucknow-based team suffered an eight-wicket loss while defending a below-par target of 160 runs.

Rishabh Pant Is Trying to Do What MS Dhoni Does - Cheteshwar Pujara

Speaking on ESPN Cricinfo's Timeout, Cheteshwar Pujara was unhappy with Rishabh Pant’s decision to bat at No. 7. He questioned the strategy behind sending Pant so low in the order. Pujara added that the left-hander is more effective in the middle overs, between the 6th and 15th.

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"There's no doubt he should be batting up the order. He's trying to do what MS Dhoni does, but he's nowhere near that. He should be batting in the middle overs between 6 and 15. He's not a finisher and should not be doing the job of a finisher," Pujara said on ESPNCricinfo.

Rishabh missed the first delivery after charging down the pitch. The southpaw attempted a reverse scoop on the next ball—a full yorker from Mukesh Kumar—but dragged it onto his stumps.

Earlier, Lucknow had started strong with an 87-run partnership between Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh in the first 10 overs. However, they lost momentum and managed only 159/6 in their 20 overs.

Also read: RCB vs RR Live Streaming Free and Live Telecast- IPL 2025, Match 42

It Doesn't Look Great When Your Leader Is... - Nick Knight

Former England opener Nick Knight also shared his thoughts on Rishabh Pant batting lower in the order. Knight said that Pant should lead from the front, adding that a captain moving down sends the wrong message to the team.

"I have no problems with Badoni batting at 4 or 5. I see some rationale there. He's more likely to score runs at the moment than Rishabh Pant, even Abdul Samad, and David Miller. What I don't like is that he's your captain."

"If he keeps sliding down the order when you really need him to step up... He's the one who's going to be standing up and talking to the team, he's your leader. It doesn't look great when your leader is going in the other direction," Knight said.

Lucknow Super Giants Struggle with Consistency in IPL 2025

Rishabh Pant has encountered difficulties in IPL 2025, particularly with his batting form. The costliest player in tournament history has scored 106 runs across eight innings at an average of 13.25 and a strike rate of 96.36.

Pant's season began poorly with a six-ball duck against Delhi Capitals and continued with a series of low scores, including just 19 runs from his first four innings. While he managed a half-century against Chennai Super Kings, it didn't help his team secure a win.

Lucknow Super Giants have struggled with consistency since their early winning streak. Currently in fifth place, LSG will face Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on April 27.

Also read: MI vs CSK Match Preview- IPL 2025, Match 38