Lucknow Super Giants bowler Mayank Yadav defended his captain Rishabh Pant, who’s been having a tough time this season in the IPL. Mayank said that Pant doesn’t let the pressure get to him, even with the criticism he’s been facing. As the most expensive player in the league, expectations are high, and his struggles with the bat have not gone unnoticed.
While Lucknow is still in the running for a playoff spot, Pant’s struggles to stabilize the batting lineup have become a real issue. Fans are worried, especially after they noticed him getting visibly frustrated during games, like when he batted at No. 7 against Delhi Capitals. At a recent press conference, Mayank expressed his belief in Pant’s calmness despite the outside noise. “I’ve known Rishabh bhaiya for a while since we play for the same club in Delhi. He seems relaxed when we talk about the game and the challenges we’re facing,” Mayank said.
He acknowledged that the team might have misjudged the pitches early on but still believes there’s a chance to make the playoffs if they win their next three matches.
Pant’s batting stats this season don’t look great—he’s managed just 128 runs in 11 matches, with only a handful of good innings. His last game saw him getting out for 18 runs off 17 balls. Concerns are also growing about his leadership, as LSG has struggled to perform well lately. His confidence seems to have taken a hit, especially after he lost his place in India’s white-ball teams to KL Rahul, who used to captain LSG.
As Lucknow gears up for a must-win match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Pant’s ability to turn things around with the bat will be crucial for the team’s playoff chances. Despite his recent downturn, Mayank Yadav is still hopeful Pant can rise to the occasion.
