Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant to open the innings for the franchise in IPL 2025. Pant is known to turn the match on its head with his blistering batting and if he opens the innings for LSG, he can make the most of the Powerplay overs.
Pant batted in the middle order for his former franchise, Delhi Capitals and it would be interesting to note his batting position in IPL 2025.
The pugnacious southpaw batter has scored 3284 runs in 111 IPL matches at an average of 35.31 and a blistering strike rate of 148.94. Pant was bagged by LSG for a whopping amount of INR 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL auction history.
Harbhajan Singh said on ESPN Cricinfo, “I think he should open. No doubt, he’s got a good record at other positions. But, he could do even better as an opener. He’s got the game for it – he plays fast bowling well. He should look to bat long even after the powerplay. In this format, you want your best players to face most balls. The Orange Cap winners are always players who bat at one, two or three. But, Pant can do it at a strike rate of 160.”
The Turbanator added that Pant has the experience to savor success while batting at the top of the order for LSG.
“I don’t think they would want to move [Nicholas] Pooran from three. He needs to face as many balls as possible. Same for Pant. As an opener, he can start from ball one. He is an experienced player and will make the bowlers think because he plays those unconventional strokes. I think you need a guy who can bat like that in the powerplay and then continue. I’ve heard that is what Lucknow plans to do.”
Lucknow Super Giants will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Delhi Capitals at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on 24th March.
