After a couple of dot balls, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood’s delivery struck Pant on the elbow. He received prompt attention from the physio but subsequently opted to head toward the dressing room, with Nicholas Pooran taking his place on the field.
Pant has faced significant criticism due to his lackluster performance with the bat, particularly after LSG invested a record ₹27 crore to secure his services ahead of IPL 2025.
Last season, the southpaw could manage only 269 runs in 14 matches, including a century in a meaningless game against Bengaluru.
LSG ended up in a disappointing seventh place on the points table, having lost four out of their last five matches.
Before this season, franchise owner Sanjeev Goenka dismissed any speculation regarding Pant’s continuation as captain.
“As we approached the season, I noticed the rumors surrounding @RishabhPant17’s captaincy and smiled. We’ve spent enough time together to understand his character and commitment. Wishing you a great season, Cap!” Goenka posted on X a few weeks ago.
This season, Pant has not hit his stride with the bat either. In the opening match against the Delhi Capitals (DC), he opted to bat at the top of the order but was run out for just seven runs. Disappointing performances have continued in subsequent matches, totaling 103 runs in four games.
However, Pant returned to the crease in the 16th over of the innings against RCB, partnering with Mukul Choudhary during the death overs.
First Published: Apr 15, 2026 8:39 PM IST
