Rishabh Pant’s highly anticipated debut for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025 turned out to be a forgettable one. The most expensive player in IPL history, bought for a staggering ₹27 crore, failed to deliver with the bat, the gloves, and even as a captain — leading to fan disappointment and a now-viral moment involving team owner Sanjeev Goenka.
₹27 Crore Buy, But a Poor Start
Pant, who previously played for Delhi Capitals, made his first appearance for LSG with high expectations on his shoulders. However, his debut outing fell flat as he was dismissed for a 6-ball duck, marking his first zero as captain in IPL history. LSG, after a promising start, stumbled and were restricted to 209, far below the projected 225+ total.
Tactical Blunders and Missed Opportunities
Pant’s leadership also came under scrutiny. He underutilized experienced pacer Shardul Thakur, giving him just two overs, while holding back spinner Shahbaz Ahmed until the end. Critics and fans questioned his bowling changes and tactical decisions, especially his heavy reliance on inexperienced bowlers in pressure moments.
The most costly error came in the final over when Pant missed a crucial stumping that could have sealed the game. As Mohit Sharma stepped out to defend, Pant fumbled the ball behind the stumps. While he appealed, the ball hadn’t touched the bat, and the opportunity was lost. Had that dismissal happened, LSG would likely have secured a win, as the last-wicket pair was on the crease.
Goenka’s Post-Match Conversation Goes Viral
Following the loss, a picture of Sanjeev Goenka speaking with Pant began circulating on social media. Though the conversation seemed calm and composed, many recalled last season’s tense exchange between Goenka and then-captain KL Rahul, sparking speculations of déjà vu.
This time, the owner appeared more controlled, yet firm—likely discussing the defeat and Pant’s performance. Fans online have dubbed it Goenka’s version of a “performance review.”
What Lies Ahead?
The pressure is now mounting on Rishabh Pant to bounce back. As IPL’s costliest player and LSG’s new captain, expectations are sky-high. With only the first match down, Pant still has the chance to redeem himself — but he’ll need to do it quickly to regain momentum and the trust of fans, teammates, and management.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
