IPL 2025: Punjab Kings won the toss and chose to bowl first against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium today (April 1). Both teams, coming off wins in their previous matches, were expected to post big scores, with fans particularly hoping for a strong showing from LSG at their home ground. However, a disappointing start with the bat, particularly from captain Rishabh Pant, seemingly dampened those expectations.
Pant once again failed to make an impact, managing just 2 runs off 9 balls before being dismissed by Glenn Maxwell of PBKS in the 5th over. As the most expensive player of the season, he has struggled to find his form, delivering underwhelming performances in all three of LSG's games so far.
Rishabh Pant's ongoing struggles with the bat have sparked widespread criticism, with fans labeling him the "most overrated player" and mocking his hefty Rs 27 crore price tag. Social media is flooded with jokes about his performance, and many are jokingly suggesting that LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka might need to step in for a pep talk if his form doesn't improve.
On social media, particularly on X, fans questioned the hype surrounding Pant, with one user?writing, ¡°Except for those few Test matches, I just don¡¯t get the hype around Rishabh Pant. Mediocre player at best.¡±
Another user criticised the wicketkeeper-batsman, calling him ¡°the biggest fraud in the history of cricket¡±.
A third user commented, ¡°Rishabh Pant hatewatch doesn¡¯t even hit anymore. He¡¯s way too bad; it¡¯s starting to feel a bit sympathetic.¡±
A fourth added, ¡°The biggest RCB mistake would¡¯ve been splurging on Rishabh Pant. I¡¯m glad that didn¡¯t happen. He might score 800 runs every season, but I still can¡¯t rate him in T20s.¡±
"If Rishabh Pant doesn¡¯t perform in the coming matches, don¡¯t be surprised if Marwari Goenka gives him 2 crores and says goodbye," one sarcastic user wrote.
Meanwhile, Several users took jabs at the cricketer, joking that LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka must be regretting his hefty investment, while others questioned how he earned the title of the costliest player in the league without any solid performance to back it up.
For those who may not be aware, Sanjiv Goenka is known for his intense pep talks. Last season, his alleged heated exchange with former LSG captain KL Rahul became quite the viral moment. Just last week, he was also spotted having a serious conversation with Rishabh Pant following their heartbreaking one-wicket loss to Delhi.
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