Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has opined that Rishabh Pant would not open the batting for Lucknow Super Giants in upcoming season of the Indian Premier League 2025. Pant was recently appointed as LSG’s captain after he was bagged for a whopping amount of INR 27 crore in IPL mega auction.

Chopra noted that Pant has a great IPL record while batting at number four and five and he would be better batting in the middle order for the new franchise. Pant has amassed 3284 runs in 111 IPL matches at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93.

“Someone asked this question to Pant and I was listening to him. He said that it’s not important what is right for him, and it’s more important what is right for his team. He said that he has batted in the middle order throughout his life and wants to remain in the middle order for the time being,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“His numbers are very good at No. 4 and No. 5. I dug out his IPL numbers. He is standing next to AB de Villiers at No. 4 and No. 5. It’s a big sample size as the IPL has been played for many years. So he finds himself more comfortable there,” Chopra added.

The reputed commentator highlighted that it is easy to score runs at the top of the order while playing in the T20I format.

“Honestly speaking, it’s easy to bat at the top of the order. There is a powerplay of six overs and it’s easy to hit there because only two fielders are outside. So it’s an easier job, but batting in the middle is a difficult job because he also has to finish,” he said.

“So I would say if you have the ability and are comfortable batting at No. 4, and you also get a left-hander in the middle, I think that is the place you should be. He can decide between No. 3 and No. 4. I feel he might not open for Lucknow. Three left-handers will come one after the other – Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant and David Miller – and all three have great hitting ability,” Chopra elaborated.

IPL 2025 will kick off on March 21.