Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Lucknow Super Giants’ handling of Rishabh Pant and hinted that there may be more going on behind the scenes when it comes to his batting role. The former Indian spinner believes Pant should have a consistent run as an opener instead of being uncertain about his position.
Pant opened alongside Mitchell Marsh against Delhi Capitals but was unluckily run out for 7 after Mukesh Kumar’s arm deflection hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Despite the early release, Pant indicated that he would continue in the top order, prompting Ashwin to weigh in on the situation on his YouTube channel.
“All these statements will confuse no one but himself. The reason why Rishabh issued such a statement is because there is some secret. It means that the team management is discussing it with him. There is no doubt in my mind.”
Had I been there, Rishabh would have opened the innings for the entire season. But now what is happening there should be no contradiction in what you say. I know he has given 100 at No. 3 but the opening suits him so you should have some patience,” said Ashwin.
Pant’s rise to the top comes with statistical support. In 23 T20 innings as an opener, he made 159, including a century and five fifties, figures that underscore his effectiveness in the role.
However, LSG’s experiment did not pay off in their opener. The side were bowled out for 141 with Abdul Samad (36) and Mitchell Marsh (35) putting up resistance before Delhi comfortably chased it down through Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs.
WILL RISHABH PANT OPEN FOR LSG?
After the clash with DC, Pant himself hinted at a continued role at the top despite the early setback, adding further intrigue to LSG’s plans.
During the post-match presentation, Pant dropped a cryptic comment that only fueled speculation about his position.
“I think it’s 50-50, but we’ll see. But you’ll definitely see me in the top order,” he said.
The numbers strongly support this move. The opening allows Pant to maximize the power play where his attacking game can flourish and his record suggests he is far more impressive in that role than in the middle order.
However, Ashwin’s comments highlight a wider issue of clarity. For a player like Pant, whose game thrives on instinct, a defined role could be key. Whether LSG stick with the experiment or go back to a safer option could affect not only Pant’s season, but their campaign as well.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
05 Apr 2026 11:02 IST
