Rishabh Pant torn apart by India legend for “zero contribution” to LSG in IPL 2026

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer criticized Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant for his poor batting form. The cricket expert also said that Pant is offering very little contribution to the team and added that the entire LSG batting lineup has struggled badly, putting more pressure on the side this season.

His Contribution Is Nothing - Wasim Jaffer on Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant carries a record retention price of ₹27 crore but has struggled to justify it with his performances. After the defeat to RCB, Wasim Jaffer shared his views on the poor form of the Lucknow Super Giants' batting lineup on his YouTube channel.

"The top four batters have to contribute. In that area, LSG is taking a beating. The runs are not coming from Mitchell Marsh, Markram was out on an ordinary ball, and for Rishabh Pant, if you remove that one innings, his contribution is nothing. Nicholas Pooran looks completely out of form, it looks like he has not arrived in the tournament only," Jaffer said.

Jaffer also explained that repeated low scores are hurting their playoff chances. LSG collapsed to 83/4 before Ayush Badoni and Mukul Choudhary added some late runs against a disciplined RCB bowling attack.

"When there are so many batting failures, how will it work? 146 was a totally below par score on this ground. So, it was quite a lacklustre performance by LSG, they have to lift themselves up, otherwise, it will be too late for them," he added.

Rishabh Pant Struggles for Form Despite One Match-Winning Knock This Season

Rishabh Pant moved to the No. 3 position this season to increase his impact. However, the LSG captain has scored 104 runs in five innings at an average of 26.00 with a strike rate of 122.35.

Pant’s only standout performance came with an unbeaten 68 off 50 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He failed to anchor the middle order in the matches against the Gujarat Titans (GT), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and his former team Delhi Capitals (DC).

In the recent game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Pant was hit on his left elbow by a delivery from Josh Hazlewood. He returned after five wickets but scored just one run off six balls.

It Felt That Virat Kohli Would Finish The Game - Wasim Jaffer

Virat Kohli played as an impact substitute for the first time in his IPL career. Despite missing the entire fielding innings, he attacked new-ball bowlers Mohammad Shami and Prince Yadav during the powerplay alongside Philip Salt.

Avesh Khan dismissed him in the 11th over. After the innings, Wasim Jaffer said he hopes Kohli recovers quickly from his minor niggle and returns to full fitness, including fielding duties.

"It felt that he would finish the game off for the team, and score 70-80 runs not out. Unfortunately, he got out on 49. When Virat Kohli plays well, the entire Chinnaswamy gets their money's worth. I hope he recovers from his niggle soon because people also want to see his intensity on the field," Wasim Jaffer concluded.

Also read: Vinod Kambli faces shocking brain stroke risk as worrying health update emerges