The IPL imposed a fine of ₹24 lakh on Rishabh Pant, captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), for his team’s slow over-rate during their match against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Having previously been fined ₹12 lakh for this offence in an earlier match against MI at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, this was Pant’s second offence of the season; thus, for the second time, lesser time breaches have been imposed on LSG.
LSG lost both of these matches by 54 runs. It was stated by the IPL that this is LSG’s second offence this season under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct concerning minimum over-rate offences.
After a long hiatus, this fine has once again reared its ugly head—the second fine for slow over-rate violations this season. Rajasthan Royals were the first team to incur the fine. Laxman was fined ₹12 lakh for the first offence, against the Chennai Super Kings, and Sanju Samson was fined ₹25 lakh for the second offence, against the Gujarat Titans. Such violations under scrutiny are never good for any team.
Rishabh Pant’s Trouble Continues
This has been tormenting for LSG this season, putting Rishabh Pant under the scanner. The southpaw batter has played ten matches this season, making just 110 runs at an average of 12.22 and a strike rate of 98.21. The highest he ever scored was 63; otherwise, he was inconsistent.
A huge low for LSG has been Pant’s problems, and LSG has depended, instead, on their top order this season. LSG is sitting sixth on the points table with 10 points from 10 matches, with a net run rate of -0.325; to even be in contention for the playoffs, they must jolly well go back into a huddle and put their act together.
With increased competition, LSG will have to put on a better show simply to stay afloat. With Pant not doing well and the slow over-rate issues, LGS has an uphill task before them in the remaining matches. Can they defy the odds and pull off a miraculous comeback in the playoffs? Only time shall tell.
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