IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant's batting position revealed as Aakash Chopra picks LSG playing XI
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Former India batter Aakash Chopra has picked the probable Playing XI of Lucknow Super Giants for their first match of IPL 2025. Chopra picked Rishabh Pant to bat in the middle order but admitted that he could move up depending on the no. of overs left.
Rishabh Pant has been appointed the captain of Lucknow Super Giants for this season after being signed by the franchise for a record amount of INR 27 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Chopra picked Pant to bat in a middle order consisting of some of the biggest names in T20 cricket.
LSG have the likes of Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, and David Miller, and all of them look set to feature in the Playing XI straight away. The three of them are some of the best hitters and can change the course of the game in a few overs.
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Aakash Chopra picks LSG's probable Playing XI
While speaking in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra picked a strong top order consisting of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh at the top with Breetzke as the reserve opener. They will be followed by a trio of powerful middle-order batters.
"One of Aiden Markram and Matthew Breetzke with Mitchell Marsh. Ayush Badoni could bat at No. 3. However, if there is a long partnership, (Rishabh) Pant can also come. Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant and David Miller could be your three, four and five or four, five and six," said Chopra.
With all their overseas options being used up in the batting department, Chopra feels that the bowling attack will be all-Indian. While it looks talented enough, the question marks over Mayank Yadav's fitness remain a concern.
"Then you will have Abdul Samad as your Impact Sub. You can use him when required. Then you will go towards Shahbaz Ahmed. In bowling, Ravi Bishnoi, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan/Mayank Yadav. It will depend on fitness who they would play," he added.
Who will be the best batter and best bowler for LSG
Aakash Chopra also predicted LSG's best batter and bowler of the season. He feels that one out of Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran will score the most no. of runs for the team this year. The former India opener picked the legspinner Ravi Bishnoi as their highest wicket-taker of the season.
"Who will score the most runs? I think it will be a toss-up between Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran. They are their two best players. Who will take the most wickets? Since the fast bowlers will be rotated, I am going towards Ravi Bishnoi. Players to watch out for - Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed," the cricketer-turned-commentator reckoned.
Ravi Bishnoi has been associated with LSG since their first first season in 2022. The leg-spinner was retained by the franchise this year for INR 11 crore. He is likely to play all the games this season as he is their premier spinner, given that he remains fit.
Rishabh Pant's first season for LSG
Rishabh Pant has played for Delhi Capitals since making his IPL debut in 2016. However, the wicketkeeper-batter opted to go for the auction this year and was snapped up by Lucknow Super Giants for a massive amount.
Pant is likely to play a key role for his team being a captain and a high-class batter as well. LSG will open their IPL 2025 campaign on March 24 against Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam.
