Credit: BCCI/IPL
In a dramatic turn of events, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka, previously seen expressing frustration over captain Rishabh Pant's inconsistent performances, lauded Pant's remarkable century in the final league match of IPL 2025 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Goenka, who had earlier been visibly disappointed with Pant's form, took to social media to celebrate the captain's resurgence, describing the innings as "Pant'astic."
He later shared photos on Instagram, captioning them, “Rishabh… just superb.” The public endorsement comes after Goenka had earlier expressed strong belief in Pant’s leadership qualities, stating that Pant embodies the fearlessness and instinctive flair LSG needs in a leader. Pant's unbeaten 118 off 61 balls, featuring 11 fours and 8 sixes, was instrumental in propelling LSG to a formidable total of 227 for 3. This performance marked a significant turnaround for Pant, who had managed only 151 runs in 13 matches prior to this game. The century not only silenced critics but also reaffirmed Goenka's earlier faith in Pant's leadership and batting prowess.
Pant’s century provides silver lining end to disappointing season with bat
The match itself was a high-scoring affair, with LSG's innings characterized by aggressive batting and strategic partnerships. Pant's leadership on the field and his ability to anchor the innings under pressure were pivotal in setting a challenging target for RCB. The team's total of 227/3 was one of their highest in the season, showcasing their potential when firing on all cylinders.
While LSG's campaign in IPL 2025 had its ups and downs, culminating in their elimination from playoff contention, Pant's stellar performance in the final match provided a silver lining. Goenka's public commendation of Pant's innings underscores the importance of resilience and the impact of individual brilliance in the sport. As LSG looks ahead to the next season, Pant's return to form could be a cornerstone for the team's future strategies and aspirations.
