'Rishabh Pant was angry, he was told something...': Shocking revelation made on LSG star’s No.7 blunder

Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh questioned Rishabh Pant's position in the batting order during the recent IPL 2025 match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC). The commentator hinted at possible tension within the Lucknow Super Giants camp after the defeat to the Axar Patel-led side.

The Super Giants suffered an eight-wicket loss in the 40th match of IPL 2025 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, April 22. LSG posted a modest total of 159 for six in their 20 overs. However, DC reached the target in just 17.5 overs with key contributions from Abhishek Porel (51) and KL Rahul (57).

Watch: Rishabh Pant Has Animated Exchange With Mentor Zaheer Khan in Dugout

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Rishabh Pant’s decision to bat at No. 7 raised eyebrows. He walked to the crease in the final over and was dismissed after just two deliveries without scoring. There was no official indication that he was unfit to play a larger role. If his injury had been serious, he might have been excluded from the lineup entirely.

Pant had an animated discussion with LSG mentor Zaheer Khan in the dugout toward the end of the 19th over. Pant, who was fully padded up, also made gestures with his hand. Commentators Anil Kumble and Suresh Raina noted that the scene suggested possible internal disagreements over strategy.

Why Did Rishabh Pant Bat at No. 7? - Harbhajan Singh

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan Singh said that players like Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni batting before the captain was beyond his thinking. Harbhajan added that Pant appeared visibly upset due to something said by the management.

"Why did Rishabh Pant bat at No. 7? It's beyond my thinking. Let's try to solve it. Is Rishabh Pant batting at No. 7 justified? Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni batted ahead of him," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.

"Whose decision was it? It was either the team management's or Pant's. Pant however was furious. He was angry. Seemed as if he was told something because of which he wasn't happy. His mood was off too," he added.

How Can a Team Win If Its Captain Is Unhappy? - Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh believes that something said within the team likely upset Rishabh. He questioned whether it was appropriate to demote the captain, especially if he’s struggling for form.

"This is my opinion. Some discussion took place about Rishabh Pant, which probably made him upset. We know Pant well. He is a good kid, who respects elders and seniors. But is it right? If Pant is struggling for form, would you demote him at No. 7? He is your captain. You send him at the toss. I didn't like it. How can a team win if its captain is unhappy," Harbhajan concluded.

Pant is facing criticism for his performances in IPL 2025. He was bought for a record ₹27 crore, the highest ever paid by a franchise for a player, but has managed only 109 runs across nine matches, with his highest score being 63.

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