In a groundbreaking move, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant has expressed openness to the idea of opening the batting in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. However, the decision will not be rushed, as Pant insists on consulting with the team’s management before finalizing his role.
Pant, who was acquired by LSG for a record-breaking INR 27 crores in the IPL 2025 auction, has spent his entire career so far with the Delhi Capitals. Known for his explosive batting in the middle order, Pant has limited experience as an opener, having done so only four times in the 2016 season. Yet, with LSG’s final squad lacking a seasoned opening batter, Pant’s shift to the top order remains a possibility.
Pant’s Perspective on the Role Change
Speaking to Sports Tak, Pant acknowledged the temptation of stepping into an opening role but emphasized the importance of deliberation and collaboration with the coaching staff.
“Obviously, there is a temptation to go that way [open the innings], but there is no 100 percent clarity on whether I should open or stay in the middle order. When you’ve played in the middle order for so many years and have done well, you get used to it. I don’t want to make rash decisions because of external noise,” said Pant.
Pant has been one of the most reliable middle-order batsmen in the IPL, and his performances in that role have been instrumental in his success. However, the LSG captain is also open to exploring options that would best suit the team’s composition for IPL 2025.
Discussions with LSG Management to Decide
Pant made it clear that any decision regarding his batting position would involve input from LSG mentor Zaheer Khan and head coach Justin Langer. He highlighted his commitment to the team’s success and his desire to make an informed choice.
“For me, this is my life, it’s my career, and I don’t want to change that overnight. I want to think over it a bit more, discuss it further with Zak bhai [Zaheer Khan] and Justin [Langer] about what we can do, and eventually, we will back whatever decision we take,” Pant added.
Pant’s previous outings as an opener saw him scoring 104 runs in four matches at an average of 34.7 and a strike rate of 136.8 during IPL 2016. Whether he will reprise that role in 2025 remains uncertain, but Pant’s adaptability and leadership will be crucial for LSG as they aim for their first IPL title.
With the weight of being IPL’s most expensive player on his shoulders, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant as he embarks on this new chapter with Lucknow Super Giants.
