The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, surprises, and controversies, but few have sparked as much debate as the handling of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant’s batting position. Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth, known for his outspoken nature, has ignited a firestorm with his scathing remarks about LSG coach Justin Langer’s strategy, particularly regarding Pant’s role in the batting order. In a recent episode of his YouTube show Cheeky Cheeka, Srikkanth didn’t hold back, questioning, “Doesn’t he have brains?” as he lambasted Langer for sending Pant to bat for just the final two balls in a match against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 22, 2025. This article delves into the controversy, Pant’s struggles, Langer’s tactics, and the broader implications for LSG in the IPL 2025 season.
Rishabh Pant’s Struggles in IPL 2025
Rishabh Pant, one of India’s most dynamic wicketkeeper-batsmen, has been a cornerstone of LSG since taking over the captaincy. Known for his explosive batting, fearless approach, and ability to turn games single-handedly, Pant has been a fan favorite and a key asset in the IPL. However, the 2025 season has been a stark contrast to his usual flair. In 10 matches, Pant has managed only 110 runs at a dismal average of 12 and a strike rate of 98, numbers that are uncharacteristic for a player of his caliber.
The root of the issue, according to Srikkanth and other critics, lies in LSG’s baffling decision to deploy Pant lower down the batting order. In the match against DC, Pant walked in to bat with only two balls remaining, a move that left fans, analysts, and Srikkanth fuming. “Why did he come to bat for just two balls?” Srikkanth asked on his show, echoing the sentiments of many who have watched Pant’s talent go underutilized. The decision to hold Pant back, especially in a high-pressure chase, has raised questions about LSG’s team management and coaching strategy, with fingers pointing squarely at head coach Justin Langer and assistant coach Zaheer Khan.
Srikkanth’s Outburst: A Call for Accountability
Kris Srikkanth, a former India opener and a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, is no stranger to calling a spade a spade. His blunt critique of LSG’s handling of Pant has resonated with fans and analysts alike. “What’s Langer trying to do? What’s the team management trying to do? What is Zaheer Khan trying to do? I don’t know,” Srikkanth said, visibly frustrated. He went further, questioning Langer’s decision-making with his now-viral remark, “Doesn’t he have brains?” The comment, while harsh, reflects the growing discontent among fans and former players about LSG’s tactics in IPL 2025.
Srikkanth’s criticism wasn’t just aimed at Langer. He also took issue with suggestions that Pant was “held back” by the team management, arguing that as captain, Pant should have the authority to decide his batting position. “Some people say Rishabh Pant wanted to go in to bat, but they didn’t allow him,” Srikkanth noted, questioning why a player of Pant’s stature and leadership role needed permission to bat higher up the order. This raises a broader question about the dynamics within LSG’s dressing room and whether Pant’s leadership is being undermined by the coaching staff.
Justin Langer’s Tactical Misstep?
Justin Langer, a former Australian opener and one of the most respected coaches in world cricket, has found himself in the eye of the storm. Known for his meticulous planning and emphasis on team discipline, Langer’s tenure with LSG has been under scrutiny this season, particularly for his handling of key players like Pant. The decision to send Pant to bat at the fag end of the innings against DC has been labeled as a tactical blunder by many, including former India captain Anil Kumble, who commented on JioCinema, “It’s alright if you wanted to bat more freely under less pressure by coming in late, but this was way too late.” Kumble’s remarks highlight the frustration within the cricketing fraternity, as Pant’s late entry into the game robbed LSG of a chance to leverage his aggressive batting style in a crucial phase.
Langer’s strategy appears to be centered on flexibility in the batting order, possibly to adapt to match situations. However, this approach has backfired with Pant, whose strength lies in dominating the middle overs and accelerating the run rate. By pushing him down the order, LSG has not only stifled Pant’s natural game but also sent mixed signals about his role as a captain and key batsman. Critics argue that Langer’s conservative approach is at odds with Pant’s aggressive, game-changing style, leading to a disconnect that has hurt LSG’s performance in IPL 2025.
The Broader Context: LSG’s Struggles in IPL 2025
LSG’s woes extend beyond Pant’s batting position. The team has struggled to find consistency in IPL 2025, with their batting lineup failing to fire in crucial moments. While players like KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran have shown flashes of brilliance, the lack of a settled batting order has been a recurring issue. Pant’s poor form, coupled with his questionable deployment, has only compounded LSG’s problems. The team’s reliance on a few key players to deliver match-winning performances has exposed their lack of depth, and the coaching staff’s inability to maximize Pant’s potential has drawn significant criticism.
Moreover, the decision to hold Pant back in the batting order raises questions about LSG’s overall game plan. In T20 cricket, where momentum and aggression are paramount, delaying the entry of a player like Pant, who thrives under pressure, seems counterintuitive. Srikkanth’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that LSG’s management is failing to adapt to the demands of modern T20 cricket, where flexibility must be balanced with leveraging a player’s strengths.
Pant’s Leadership and Form: A Cause for Concern?
As LSG’s captain, Rishabh Pant carries the dual responsibility of leading the team and contributing significantly with the bat. His lackluster performance in IPL 2025 has raised concerns about his form, especially after his remarkable comeback to competitive cricket following a life-threatening car accident in 2022. Pant’s resilience and determination have been an inspiration, but his current struggles suggest that external factors, such as his batting position and team strategy, may be affecting his confidence.
Anil Kumble’s observation about Pant’s visible frustration on the field underscores the mental toll of being underutilized. “The kind of frustration Rishabh is showing is evident that he was wronged,” Kumble noted, suggesting that Pant’s discontent stems from the team’s failure to back him as a batsman and leader. For a player known for his fearless approach, being relegated to the lower order could have a lasting impact on his mindset and performance.
The Road Ahead for LSG and Pant
The controversy surrounding Pant’s batting position is a wake-up call for LSG as they navigate the remainder of IPL 2025. With the tournament reaching its critical stages, Langer and his coaching staff must address the concerns raised by Srikkanth and others. A clear strategy that places Pant in a position to maximize his impact—likely at No. 4 or 5 in the batting order—could help LSG turn their fortunes around. Pant’s ability to take on bowlers in the middle overs and finish games makes him an invaluable asset, and LSG cannot afford to waste his talent.
For Pant, the challenge is to regain his form and assert his authority as captain. While his leadership credentials are unquestioned, he must work with Langer to ensure that his role in the team aligns with his strengths. A candid conversation between the captain and coach could help resolve the tactical missteps and restore Pant’s confidence.
In Summary
The uproar over Rishabh Pant’s batting position in IPL 2025, fueled by Kris Srikkanth’s fiery remarks, has brought LSG’s coaching strategy under intense scrutiny. Justin Langer’s decision to send Pant to bat for just two balls against DC has been widely criticized as a tactical error, with Srikkanth questioning the coach’s judgment in no uncertain terms. As LSG grapples with inconsistency and Pant struggles for form, the team must find a way to harness their captain’s explosive potential. The controversy serves as a reminder of the high stakes and intense scrutiny in the IPL, where every decision is dissected, and every misstep is magnified. For LSG to succeed, they must trust Pant to lead from the front—both as a captain and a batsman.
