According to coach Zaheer Khan, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) never questioned Rishabh Pant’s batting prowess. In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the wicketkeeper-batter struggled with the bat as the Super Giants failed to make it to the playoffs.
Before LSG’s season-ending match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Tuesday, May 28, Pant had only amassed 151 runs from 12 innings in the IPL 2025. The 27-year-old hit 11 fours and eight sixes in his outstanding 118 not out off 61 deliveries to finish on a high note.
Despite LSG finished seventh in the standings with six wins and eight losses from 14 games, Zaheer Khan claimed Pant has performed admirably as the team’s captain. The former Indian speedster believes that he will learn from Pant’s batting style.
He’s been a good leader, all right. For us, that was a huge plus all season long. Having this kind of season was undoubtedly a learning lesson for him in terms of bat form. However, there is no question about his skill or calibre.
At the news conference following the game, Zaheer Khan stated, “That’s how we are looking at it.”
“That’s the calibre of him and the impact he can have on the game, so we’re happy he finished on a strong note,” Zaheer Khan continued.
Against LSG, Jitesh’s blitzkreig saves RCB.
After being asked to bat first, the Lucknow Super Giants amassed a massive 227/3 in their 20 overs, led by Mitchell Marsh’s 37-ball 67 and Rishabh Pant’s spectacular century. Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, who are both in excellent form, helped the Royal Challengers Bengaluru get off to a spectacular start in response. Kohli scored his eighth half-century of the season, but the England batsman-wicketkeeper was unable to capitalise on a strong start.
LSG then regained the lead after Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone were removed in the same over. However, RCB finished the run-chase in 18.4 overs with six wickets remaining thanks to an unbeaten 85 off 33 balls from stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma and his partnership of 107 runs for the fifth wicket with Mayank Agarwal (41*).
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