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"Haven't Seen Rishabh Pant Smiling" Gilchrist Reveals What’s Wrong With LSG Captain

Soumyajit Dutta

Rishabh Pant and Adam Gilchrist [Source: @LucknowIPL/X]Rishabh Pant and Adam Gilchrist [Source: @LucknowIPL/X]

Rishabh Pant is not going through his best time this IPL season. As captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Pant has managed just 128 runs across 10 innings at a dismal average of 12.80, including a solitary half-century. 

Rishabh Pant's latest outing against Punjab Kings saw him score 18 off 17 balls in a failed chase of 237, resulting in a 37-run loss and Pant’s slump in form and leadership has become a focal point of criticism, with experts dissecting his uncharacteristically subdued demeanour.

Cricket Greats Voice Concerns About Rishabh Pant

Adam Gilchrist, the Australian legend, highlighted Pant’s missing spark while highlighting the reason for it may be captaincy.

"Watching him, you always feel that he enjoys his cricket. We haven't seen that this time around. Haven't seen him smiling, laughing, being jovial, being relaxed. Maybe it is the responsibility of the captaincy, coming into a new franchise with that highest price tag over his head... Just don't see that spark in him," Gilchrist added.

Shaun Pollock echoed Adam Gilchrist’s observations, theorizing about Pant’s isolation and his missing charm on field.

"Is he a kind of guy who is more of a home boy? Enjoys the company of his fellow Indian players? Because he is surrounded by four international other batters. He doesn't have a 'mate'... I don't know who his mates will be. Something is missing," Pollock said.

Sehwag’s Advices Pant To Call MS Dhoni

Meanwhile, former Indian veteran cricketerVirender Sehwag urged Pant to seek guidance from his role model, MS Dhoni.  "Again, he does have a mobile, all he needs to pick up the phone and call someone. Dhoni is his role model, so he should call him," Sehwag advised.

Pant Looks To Bounce Back With LSG

As LSG’s campaign teeters, Pant’s ability to rediscover his fearless persona could determine not just his team’s fortunes but also his trajectory as a leader in high-pressure leagues. LSG is also on the verge of elimination after playing 11 matches, with just 5 wins and 10 points so far. 

As the playoff race heats up, Lucknow must win all of their remaining three games to stay in contention. Their next challenge is against table-toppers RCB on May 9 at the Ekana Stadium, where they’ll look to upset the in-form side, who have secured 8 wins in 11 matches this season.