Watch: Rishabh Pant attacks Zaheer Khan

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rishabh Pant had an animated discussion with team mentor Zaheer Khan in the dugout during the IPL 2025 clash against Delhi Capitals (DC). The animated conversation went viral on social media after the Super Giants’ disappointing defeat to the Axar Patel-led team.

Pant's performance with the bat has been ordinary in the ongoing season. The wicketkeeper-batter has scored only 106 runs across eight innings at an average of 13.25 and a strike rate of 96.36. He has smashed a fifty and two ducks — the latest came during the eight-wicket loss to DC on Tuesday, April 22.

Watch: Rishabh Pant Engages in Animated Discussion with Mentor Zaheer Khan

Rishabh Pant’s position in the batting order stirred debate during the match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The left-handed batter came in at No. 7 during the final over. Pant lasted just two deliveries and missed a wild swing before being bowled by Mukesh Kumar. Pant attempted a switch hit.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Before this, cameras captured an intense exchange between Pant and Zaheer Khan in the dugout. The two had a conversation, with Pant in full batting gear, making animated hand gestures. It hinted at a disagreement or a critical decision about his role. His dismissal also intensified scrutiny over LSG’s strategy.

Watch the moment in a video posted by a user on X (formerly Twitter) below:

embarassing from pant 🤢 https://t.co/pSTn3lkScf pic.twitter.com/snbPkwAIwl

— sᴜɢᴀʀ (@Sugar_Sai_Gill) April 22, 2025

He is Discussing That with Zaheer Khan - Suresh Raina

Former India cricketers Anil Kumble and Suresh Raina weighed in on the chat between Rishabh Pant and Zaheer Khan. Kumble pointed out that Rishabh Pant's visible frustration is a sign that he may have disagreed with the call regarding the batting order.

"It's alright if you wanted to bat more freely under less pressure by coming in late, but this was way too late. The kind of frustration Rishabh is showing is evident that he was wronged. He probably wanted to bat higher. Was it his decision? Or was it coach Justin Langer's or maybe mentor Zaheer Khan's? Whose decision was it? Because he looked very frustrated," Kumble said on Star Sports.

"20 overs are left. You have to keep wickets and captain the side. You have to make your side win. He is discussing that with Zaheer Khan. 'I told you, send me in, ' Raina said.

𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞? 🫣

Rishabh Pant’s delayed entry with the bat didn’t sit well with our experts, @anilkumble1074 and @ImRaina 🧐

What are your thoughts on this? 🤔#IPLRevengeWeek #SRHvMI | WED, 24 APR, 6:30 PM | LIVE on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi &… pic.twitter.com/9JhFU1ltZP

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 22, 2025

Lucknow Super Giants Suffer Fourth Defeat in IPL 2025

Lucknow Super Giants posted a total of 159/6 despite a strong 87-run opening stand. Aiden Markram (52 off 33 balls) scored a half-century. However, their middle-order struggled after Pooran’s dismissal, with David Miller, Ayush Badoni, and Abdul Samad failing to capitalise. Rishabh Pant came in at No. 7.

Delhi Capitals chased down the target in just 17.5 overs. KL Rahul (57) and Abhishek Porel (51) scored half-centuries. Porel and Karun Nair added a 25-run partnership before Rahul put them firmly in control. Axar Patel added 34 runs off 20 balls to seal the game, with Rahul finishing it in style with a six.

The Super Giants are in fifth place on the table with 10 points and a net run rate (NRR) of -0.054. They will next face the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 27.

Also read: Watch: Axar Patel gets physical with Avesh Khan during LSG vs DC clash