IPL 2025: Spending time at crease, will help me, says out-of-form Pant on opening innings vs GI

IANS April 12, 2025 97 views

Rishabh Pant is determined to break his batting slump in the ongoing IPL season, focusing on spending more time at the crease. Despite a challenging start, Pant showed signs of improvement in the match against Gujarat Titans, scoring 21 runs before getting dismissed. His teammate Nicholas Pooran continues to be in stellar form, smashing a quick half-century and providing crucial support to the team. Lucknow Super Giants' six-wicket victory has propelled them to third place in the points table, setting a positive momentum for upcoming matches.

"The more time I spend at the wicket, it would help me going forward in the tournament" - Rishabh Pant
Lucknow, April 12: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant believes the only way for him to get out of his recent batting slump, which has seen him score 40 runs across the opening six games, is to spend as much time at the crease as he can.

Key Points

1

Pant struggled with just 40 runs in first six IPL matches

2

Scored 21 runs in match against Gujarat Titans

3

Nicholas Pooran hits stunning 61 runs off 34 balls

4

LSG moves to third place in points table

Pant, acquired for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore, has had a forgettable season so far but showed glimpses of his free-flowing self as he scored 21 runs in 18 deliveries with four boundaries to his name in Lucknow Super Giants' clash with Gujarat Titans on Saturday.

Just when it seemed that it might be his day, Pant was caught off Prasidh Krishna to end his time at the crease. With Mitchell Marsh missing out due to personal reasons, Pant assumed the opener's role alongside Aiden Markram on the day.

"I think every match I am feeling much better. Today, Marsh not being there gave me an opportunity, and I thought the more time I spend at the wicket, it would help me going forward in the tournament. It's a team game, eventually. You're going to keep winning the matches and put your best foot forward," said Pant in the post-match presentation at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday.

Pant's dismissal brought Orange Cap-holder Nicholas Pooran to the crease, and he continued his brilliant form and hit 61 runs off 34 deliveries. His knock was laced with seven sixes and one boundary as he continued his fine form in the tournament with his fourth half-century, in six games.

Pant hailed Pooran's current batting style as phenomenal and admitted he was lucky to have a batter like him in the team. "I think one thing is for sure: We are happy to have Nicholas Pooran in our team. You want someone like him on your side and not batting against you. The way he is reading the game right now, the way he is batting is phenomenal," added Pant.

The six-wicket win over Gujarat Titans saw LSG rise from sixth to third place in the points table, having won four of their six games. They will now turn their attention towards Chennai Super Kings, whom they face at home on Monday.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul S.
Pant just needs one big innings to get his confidence back! We've seen what he's capable of when in form. That 21-run knock had glimpses of vintage Pant 🔥 Hope he keeps getting opportunities up the order.
P
Priya M.
While I'm a huge Pant fan, I think he needs to work on shot selection. That dismissal to Prasidh was unnecessary when he was just getting set. But I appreciate his positive attitude about spending time at the crease!
A
Arjun K.
Pooran is carrying this team right now! 4 fifties in 6 games is insane form. Pant should learn from how he's constructing his innings while still being aggressive.
S
Sanjana P.
The pressure of that 27cr price tag must be huge 😬 But I like that Pant isn't making excuses and is willing to work through this rough patch. True champion mentality!
V
Vikram D.
That partnership between Pant and Pooran could be deadly if both fire together. LSG moving up to 3rd shows the team is performing despite Pant's struggles. Imagine when he finds form! 💪
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Neha T.
As a wicketkeeper-batsman myself, I know how hard it is to come back after injury. Pant's timing will come, just needs to trust his process. Those four boundaries looked class! ✨

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
IPL 2025 Rishabh Pant Lucknow Super Giants Nicholas Pooran Cricket T20 League
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