LSG management unhappy with Rishabh Pant as INR 27 Crore star continues his struggles

The excitement was sky-high when Lucknow Super Giants broke the bank to sign Rishabh Pant for a record-breaking INR 27 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction last year. But LSG’s blockbuster signing has yet to live up to the hype in the ongoing tournament so far.

Rishabh Pant once again fell cheaply, managing just two runs off six balls during Lucknow Super Giants’ thrilling 12-run victory over Mumbai Indians in the 16th game of the ongoing IPL 2025 at home on Friday, April 4. This flop show added to growing concerns over his form this season.

Lucknow Super Giants' INR 27 crore gamble backfires?

However, despite Pant’s another failure with the bat, LSG managed to post a challenging total of 204 on the board against the Mumbai Indians, thanks to a power-packed knock from Mitchell Marsh (60 runs off 31 balls) and a cool and composed knock from Aiden Markram (53 runs off 38 balls).

Marsh and Markram built a solid foundation, giving the LSG the momentum needed for a massive score on the board against the MI. Defending the target, the LSG bowlers rose to the occasion to seal a thrilling 12-run win over the five-time champions MI in Lucknow.

The victory pushed Lucknow to sixth place on the IPL 2025 points table, but all eyes remain fixed on Pant, who’s yet to deliver the firepower expected of him this season. His mode of dismissal was also frustratingly familiar, with many blaming the hefty price tag for his failure in the ongoing IPL 2025.

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Aakash Chopra slams Rishabh Pant’s form after another failure in the IPL 2025

Aakash Chopra has also raised concerns over Pant’s form after the INR 27 crore star failed yet again in the tournament. The commentator also pointed out that the Lucknow team is yet to see returns on their massive investment in Pant so far in the ongoing season.

Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “When Lucknow came to bat, they had an M&M pair in Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram. Their playing styles were very different. Aiden Markram played cautiously and took the game to the end. Mitchell Marsh played a destructive game, and they scored nearly 70 runs in the powerplay.”

Chopra added, “Nicholas Pooran failed, and our ₹27 crore Rishabh Pant also failed. It is a problem, sir. The LSG management is thinking that he hasn't scored as many runs thus far as the number of crores they spent. Rishabh Pant got a top edge this time too, and Corbin Bosch took the catch. However, eventually, you reached 200, which meant it was going to be a tough chase.”

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Aakash Chopra hails Hardik Pandya's fifer against LSG

However, the former Indian batter hailed the MI skipper and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his five-wicket haul against the LSG in Lucknow.

Chopra signed off by saying, “Trent Boult couldn't get a wicket with the new ball. Hardik Pandya came, used slower balls, and picked up a five-wicket haul. He bowls beautifully. The big side boundaries were used well.”

Notably, Lucknow Super Giants will next face the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL 2025 clash on April 8 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.