Rishabh Pant, one of the most flamboyant batters in modern cricket, is in the thick of a rough patch. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper’s struggles in IPL 2025 continued as he recorded a two-ball duck against his former team, the Delhi Capitals (DC), in what many are calling one of the most baffling innings of the season.
Rishabh Pant – From Fire to Fizzle?
Rishabh Pant wasn’t always this subdued. Once celebrated for his fearless strokeplay and match-winning knocks, Pant was a fan-favorite at DC and later became a centerpiece for LSG. His audacity at the crease made him a nightmare for bowlers and a delight for spectators. But 2025 has brought a twist — one that’s been hard to watch.
LSG vs DC – High Stakes Clash
April 22nd had all the ingredients of a thriller. LSG was facing DC in a crucial match at the Ekana Stadium. With both teams jostling for playoff spots, this was a must-win for LSG. Despite being captain, Pant chose to demote himself in the batting order. He sent Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni ahead. His own chance only came in the last over.
Cricket fans expect surprises, but seeing Rishabh Pant walk in at No. 7 was downright shocking. As strategies in the IPL shift constantly, Lucknow Super Giants made a bold move in their recent clash against Delhi Capitals —one that drew plenty of criticism. Pant had only batted that late twice before in his IPL career, and this third instance proved disastrous. The decision backfired spectacularly, leaving many questioning its logic.
The Two-Ball Duck Breakdown
The first ball he faced — a wild slog that missed everything, barely bouncing over the stumps. The second? A desperate reverse scoop that resulted in him chopping the ball onto his own stumps. And just like that, the innings ended with Pant walking back for a duck.
BOWLED HIM! 🎯💥#MukeshKumar knocks over the #LucknowSuperGiants skipper #RishabhPant & leads the #DelhiCapitals charge for revenge!
A fiery spell – 4️⃣ wickets for just 33 runs! 💪
Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/nyTn7oL9yY#IPLRevengeWeek 👉 #LSGvDC | LIVE NOW on Star… pic.twitter.com/r0oqyi5WXT
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 22, 2025
The Mukesh Kumar Masterclass
Mukesh Kumar was on fire. Mukesh’s control and aggression forced LSG to crash from 87/0 to 159/6. Without his intervention, LSG might have easily crossed 200. Pant became Mukesh’s fourth victim in an over that yielded two wickets and three consecutive dots. His spell of 4-33 was not only lethal but also career-best in the IPL.
The Bigger Picture – What It Means for LSG
Rishabh Pant has struggled with the bat in IPL 2025, managing just 106 runs across nine matches at a disappointing average of 13.25. For a player of his caliber, these numbers raise serious concerns about his form and consistency this season. Pant’s lack of runs is hurting LSG’s campaign. The middle order feels unstable, and closing out games is becoming a real issue. If this trend continues, playoff hopes could vanish quickly.
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