In Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, not only cricketing action was pointed out but seemingly there was an expressive exchange between team mentor Zaheer and LSG skipper Rishabh Pant that stole headlines on the go. The cameras showing an animated hot exchange between Zaheer and Pant drew the attention of fans and analysts.
Background:
In the 2024 auction, Pant was awarded a record of ₹27 by LGS. He was under investigation for his overall performance.In that particular match,Pant dropped himself to number seven, which was quite surprising.
Pant degraded himself by spreading various controversies. The LSG team made 84/0 runs in one stage but sudden fall in runs 110/4 made controversies on the internet about Pant. In a video viral on the internet Pant was shown having a debate with Zaheer on game plan execution.
Match Situation:
The LSG team batted first and made 171 runs that the opposite team chased with only 8 wickets in hand and 22 balls were spare. Pant expected so much about the match because he thought that the pitch would be slower but the reality was conflicting. Pant admitted this fact when the match was over.
Fans and experts astonish the idea of Pant’s decision.
Zaheer- pant Clash and Reactions:
The after effects of the match were even harsher. Pant frankly admitted the fact that his team has collapsed in ‘’20 runs short’’.
“In Lucknow the toss plays a big part. We just couldn’t get it away”, he said acknowledging the importance of pitch and toss.
At Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana cricket stadium LSG defeated Punjab Kings in Lucknow. ‘’Looked like it was Punjab curator out here’’ banged Zaheer after loss
‘’What was a little surprising for me here. Considering it a home game and in IPL you have seen how teams have looked at taking a little bit of home advantage, from that point of view you have seen the curator is not really thinking it’s a home game. I think maybe it looked like, you know, it was Punjab curator out here,’’ Zaheer of LSG said at the press conference.
‘’So that’s something which we will figure out. It’s a new setup also for me but I hope this is the first and the last game when it comes to that’’
Read Also : Why Mumbai Indians (MI) Keep Losing Matches This IPL 2025 Season
Zaheer Khan’ Statement:
Zaheer admitted the fact that players misread the pitch that was the very first game of IPL 2025 but at the same time he asked for support for the home team.
‘’That’s what we are saying. We will go according to what the curator tells us. We are not using this as an excuse. We have seen during the last season that it’s not like batters don’t have to struggle here at times. All these things go on in cricket. But the way the home team should get support, everyone needs to know this is our home team that is playing in Lucknow and what can we do to help them win? Everyone’s contribution is important. We will find a way anyway to win matches’’ said Zaheer.
Exports Reaction:
In this situation many former Indian cricketers also played their role. Anil Kumble and Suresh Raina suggested Pant should calm down in this situation and use his energy positively that will boost up his performance. Former Indian cricketers also pointed out that team management’s decision to demote him is responsible for Pant’s behaviour.
Public Reaction:
Even on social media, fans are criticising over his demotion that predicts the fact that they are on his side but at the same time they are also respecting the team management’s decision.
Conclusion:
In Short, Rishabh Pant’s struggling phase has started due to the team management’s decision. In the next match Pant will be under pressure because the management will be observing Pant closely. The upcoming match between DC and LSG will be crucial for Pant. Now its team management’s responsibility to take the best out of Pant and make his attitude positive so that he may give a fantastic performance.
