In the lead-up to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, discussions surrounding Rishabh Pant’s batting position have intensified. Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has suggested that Pant, the newly appointed captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), should open the batting to maximize his impact.
LSG skipper is going through a torrid run in IPL 2025 as he has scored 17 runs in 3 innings. Rishabh Pant has looked in all sorts of trouble as he has looked in two minds whether to attack and then gifting his wicket away. The price tag of 27 Crore might be on his mind as well. LSG’s next clash is against MI on Friday 4th April at Lucknow.
Rishabh Pant’s leadership has also come under the scanner after the heart-wrenching defeat against DC in their opening clash. The way PBKSÂ chased 172 inside 17 overs raises a lot of question marks. Perhaps, the extra responsibility of leading and wicket-keeping the side is taking a toll on Pant but he needs to quickly pull up his socks as another couple of defeats can end LSG’s campaign.
Rishabh Pant could do even better as an opener- Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh believes that promoting Rishabh Pant to the opening slot could significantly benefit LSG. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Harbhajan stated:
“I think he should open. No doubt, he’s got a good record at other positions. But, he could do even better as an opener. He’s got the game for it-he plays fast bowling well. He should look to bat long even after the powerplay. In this format, you want your best players to face most balls. The Orange Cap winners are always players who bat at one, two, or three. But, Pant can do it at a strike rate of 160,”
Harbhajan further elaborated on Pant’s potential impact as an opener:
“As an opener, he can start from ball one. He is an experienced player and will make the bowlers think because he plays those unconventional strokes. I think you need a guy who can bat like that in the powerplay and then continue,”
Aakash Chopra’s Counterpoint on Rishabh Pant’s Batting Position
Contrasting Harbhajan’s view, former cricketer Aakash Chopra opined that Pant should continue in the middle order, highlighting his impressive statistics in that role. Chopra noted:
“His numbers are very good at No. 4 and No. 5. I dug out his IPL numbers. He is standing next to AB de Villier at No. 4 and No. 5.”
Chopra emphasized the challenges of middle-order batting and suggested that Pant’s proficiency in this position is invaluable for LSG.
Rishabh Pant’s Response to the Opening Debate
Addressing the speculation, Rishabh Pant acknowledged the temptation to open but emphasized the importance of team strategy over external opinions. He stated:
“Obviously, there is a temptation to go that way [open the innings] but there is no 100 per cent clarity that should I open or stay in the middle order. Because when you have played in the middle order for so many years and have done well, God has been kind, so you get used to it. So I don’t want to make rash decisions like ‘let’s do it because the external noise is suggesting this,”
Pant emphasized the need for internal discussions with LSG’s management to determine the best course of action.
LSG’s Strategic Acquisition of Rishabh Pant
LSG’s owner, Sanjiv Goenka, shed light on the franchise’s strategy behind acquiring Pant for a record ₹27 crore. Goenka highlighted the importance of building a strong Indian core around Pant, stating:
“But that Indian core which I’m planning to build needs an Indian achiever and a leader. So out of all the players in the auction, I found Rishabh as the best-suited player for us,”
Analyzing Rishabh Pant’s Potential Impact as an Opener
Rishabh Pant’s aggressive batting style and ability to handle fast bowling make him a viable candidate for the opening position. Opening the innings would allow him to exploit the fielding restrictions during the powerplay, potentially setting a strong foundation for LSG. However, his success in the middle order cannot be overlooked, as he has consistently delivered match-winning performances in that role.
The decision to alter Pant’s batting position involves weighing the potential benefits of his dynamic start against the stability he provides in the middle order. LSG’s management will need to consider team composition, the strengths of other players, and the overall strategy for the season.
As LSG prepares for IPL 2025, the debate over Rishabh Pant’s batting position remains a critical discussion point. Insights from cricketing experts like Harbhajan Singh and Aakash Chopra offer valuable perspectives, but the final decision will hinge on strategic deliberations within the team. Pant’s adaptability and leadership will be instrumental in navigating these choices, aiming to optimize LSG’s performance in the upcoming season.