IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant's stunning move to opening spot teased by LSG captain

Lucknow Super Giants keeper-batter Rishabh Pant talked about the chances of him opening in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He said that he has a temptation to do that but hasn't taken any decision yet and will be having discussions with management.

Lucknow Super Giants on Monday (20th January) announced India National Cricket Team batter Rishabh Pant as the captain of the team for the IPL 2025. The keeper-batter during the auction became the most expensive buy in the history of the league as he was purchased by a franchise for INR 27 crore.

Rishabh Pant has been one of the finest players in the IPL

Rishabh Pant has been one of the finest players in the IPL and it's fair to say that he played a huge part in the success of Delhi Capitals, his previous team. The batter was the captain of the side and also took them to the playoffs with his leadership and batting.

Rishabh Pant, however, will be in a different setup this time around and there won't be a surprise if he bats in the top-order this time around. There are chances that he might even open the innings as he did for India in the 2016 U19 World Cup and also opened in the T20I series against New Zealand after the 2022 T20 World Cup in November 2022.

Temptation toh hota hai bahut sari cheejo ka, but I think abhi 100% clarity nahi hui hai - Rishabh Pant on opening in IPL 2025

While talking about opening the innings, Pant said that he would be having discussions with Zaheer Khan about the same. He stressed that he doesn't want to rush the decision to open because he has been doing well in the middle order as well. Speaking to Sports Tak, he said:

“Temptation toh hota hai bahut sari cheejo ka, but I think abhi 100% clarity nahi hui hai. Wahi discussion mai Zak (Zaheer Khan) bhai se kar raha tha ki abhi 100% clarity ke sath nahi decide kara ki open karna hai ya middle-order mai rehna hai. Because itne saal se jab aap middle-order mein khel rahe hote ho aur aapne acha kara hota hai, god has been kind, okay okay kar raha tha mai IPL mei.

"Toh jab itne saal se aap khel rahe hote ho toh ek certain role ke used to ho jaate ho, so I don’t want to make rash decisions ki external noise ye hai chalo hum bhi kar lete hai. Because for me it’s my life, it’s my career, and this is something I live for."

I don’t want to change it overnight - Rishabh Pant on leaving middle-order success and moving at the top

Pant added that he would be having discussions with the coaching staff, and then whatever would be best suited for the team, he would do. He stated:

"I don’t want to change it overnight, uske barey mein aur time lekar sochna chahta hoon. Discuss karunga abhi aur Zak bhai ke sath, Justin (Langer) ke sath aur discussion karunga ki kya kar sakte hai, kya nahi kar sakte hai and then eventually jo bhi decision hum lenge usko back karunga."

Lucknow Super Giants are yet to win an IPL title. The management would be hoping that their fortunes change and they win the title under Pant.

Also read: IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant will demolish MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma's legacy to become best-ever IPL captain, claims LSG owner