Rishabh Pant’s much-anticipated debut for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 turned into a forgettable outing as the star wicketkeeper-batter was dismissed for a six-ball duck against his former team, Delhi Capitals, in Visakhapatnam on Monday.
Pant, who was bought by LSG for a record-breaking ₹27 crore, walked in to bat at No. 4 after the fall of Mitchell Marsh, with the team already riding a strong momentum. However, Pant failed to get going and succumbed under pressure in the 14th over.
Key Highlights:
Kuldeep Yadav Strikes Against Former Teammate
The wicket came off the bowling of Kuldeep Yadav, Pant’s close associate during his years with DC. After facing three consecutive dot balls, Pant attempted a big shot on the fourth delivery, only to be caught by Faf du Plessis at long-off, failing to clear the boundary.
The emotional nature of the game was evident, with Pant later seen walking off dejectedly, head down, visibly disappointed.
First Time in Non-DC Jersey Since IPL Debut
This was Pant’s first appearance in a jersey other than Delhi Capitals’ since making his IPL debut in 2016. In eight seasons with DC, Pant scored 3,284 runs and established himself as one of the key Indian players in the league.
Ahead of the match, Pant had shared his feelings at the toss:
“I have played for DC all my life, so a lot of emotions there,” he said, reflecting on the transition.
Game Momentum and Social Reactions
While Pant’s wicket halted LSG’s momentum, his teammate Nicholas Pooran continued the assault from the other end, smashing four sixes in a single over of Tristan Stubbs. Pant watched from the other end before his dismissal, witnessing Pooran light up the ACA-VDCA Stadium.
Sanjiv Goenka to rishabh pant
— 𝙎𝙔𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙈 2.𝗢 (@system200000) March 24, 2025
Stupid 😂 😂 #DCvsLSG #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/xfuw83uFTG
Social media, however, was quick to react, with fans trolling Pant for his underwhelming start in new colours. The hype surrounding his move to LSG added to the disappointment of the outing.
Rishabh Pant😐😐#RishabhPant #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/O8T4NkVxAO
— Bhupy (@bhupymax) March 24, 2025
Stupid. Stupid.. Stupid…
— jataayu (@WoKyaHotaHai) March 24, 2025
27 crore rupees for 0 run by Rishabh Pant.#DCvLSG pic.twitter.com/TrV08WnnAO
Despite a rocky beginning with the bat, Rishabh Pant remains a marquee player for Lucknow Super Giants. The franchise and fans will hope this was just a rusty start and that the southpaw finds his rhythm in the coming matches. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav‘s timely strike gave DC a critical breakthrough and added an emotional twist to an already charged encounter.
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