'Burden for LSG?' Rishabh Pant's 21-run knock as opener draws heat; fans don't hold criticism back

With no Mitchell Marsh in the playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash against Gujarat Titans (GT), LSG skipper Rishabh Pant ！ who has not been in top form ！ stepped up to open for his side. It looked like he might finally get some runs on the board, but his stay at the crease was short-lived.

Prasidh Krishna continued his brilliance outside the powerplay, striking again to claim another wicket. Rishabh Pant, looking to go on the attack, charged down the pitch but left too much room, resulting in a mistimed shot. The top edge sailed easily into Washington Sundar's hands.

Fans unhappy with LSG skipper's form

As the highest-paid cricketer in IPL 2025 ！ with a ?27 crore contract ！ many expected this to be Rishabh Pant's standout season. While his team has performed well, he has struggled to deliver with the bat and in the clash against GT, he departed for 21 off 18.

Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their frustration with many stating he is turning to be a burned for his side. Many even stated all his "PR" to prove he is the best is going to waste.

One said, "PR sympathy merchant Rishabh Pant scored 21 runs off 18 balls at 116 SR after getting dropped twice"

PR sympathy merchant Rishabh Pant scored 21 runs off 18 balls at 116 sr after getting dropped twice and these dishonest ex Indian Cricketers like @IrfanPathan & Sidhu will lick his feet, man these people make me hate Pant more!! https://t.co/rNypPiBshF pic.twitter.com/iSMUVGaz5w

！ Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) April 12, 2025

Another said, "Rishabh Pant has become such a burden for LSG, man. Usually, fans say Markram isn't T20I material, but next to Pant, he's looking like Chris Gayle. Pant just keeps playing dots nonstop and keeps putting pressure on the team".

Rishabh Pant has become such a burden for LSG, man. Usually, fans say Markram isn't T20I material, but next to Pant, he's looking like Chris Gayle. Pant just keeps playing dots nonstop and keeps putting pressure on the team. pic.twitter.com/L9kAw6hkDT

！ StarcyKKR (@StarcKKR) April 12, 2025

One wrote, "You say fraud, I hear Rishabh Pant".

You say fraud, I hear Rishabh Pant. #LSGvGT pic.twitter.com/WKnhRDFFK2

！ Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) April 12, 2025

Another added, "The best thing was the decision of Rohit Sharma & Gautam Gambhir to not to play Rishabh Pant in the Champions Trophy".

The best thing was the decision of Rohit Sharma & Gautam Gambhir to not to play this mug player Rishabh Pant in the Champions Trophy. pic.twitter.com/NuADDJNJaw

！ Lordgod ?? (@LordGod188) April 12, 2025

About LSG vs GT

LSG skipper Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Gujarat Titans (GT) capitalized early, with Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan putting together an impressive 120-run opening partnership, both scoring half-centuries. However, GT's strong start unraveled after their dismissals, leading to a middle-order slump.

Avesh Khan broke the opening stand, while Ravi Bishnoi dealt a double blow in a single over to completely shift the momentum. In the death overs, disciplined bowling from Avesh, Shardul Thakur, and the rest of the LSG attack restricted GT¨s scoring opportunities. Both Bishnoi and Thakur finished with two wickets apiece, ensuring GT were held to 180/6 ！ a respectable total on a tricky, slow surface.

LSG vs GT: Teams

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj
Impact Subs: Prasidh Krishna, Mahipal Lomror, Nishant Sindhu, Anuj Rawat, Jayant Yadav

Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Himmat Singh, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi
Impact Subs: Ayush Badoni, Prince Yadav, Shahbaz Ahmed, Matthew Breetzke, Shamar Joseph

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.