LSG vs DC: Rishabh Pant Seething in Dugout After Waiting Long, Came in Late Like Dhoni, Only to Fall for Golden Duck

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LSG vs DC: In an unexpected turn of events during the IPL 2025 season, Rishabh Pant found himself in an unfamiliar position – batting at No. 7 for Delhi Capitals against Lucknow Super Giants.

The move, which defied Pant’s usual role as a dynamic top or middle-order batter, added fuel to his growing frustrations as he awaited his turn in the dugout. Despite his anticipation, when Pant finally entered the crease, it was a fleeting moment of disappointment.

After a long wait, Pant’s innings was over in a flash. A golden duck – bowled out for zero runs – was the unfortunate outcome, courtesy of Mukesh Kumar, who delivered a sharp ball that rattled the stumps. For Pant, it was a bitter end to an already challenging match as LSG successfully restricted DC to a mere 159 for 6. Mukesh Kumar, who had been in outstanding form, finished with impressive figures of 3 for 34, securing key scalps, including Mitchell Marsh and Abdul Samad, and leaving Delhi’s batting line-up in tatters.

Pant’s rare shift to No. 7 – a position he has not occupied in his last 113 IPL innings – surprised both fans and experts alike. In fact, this was only the third time in his entire IPL career that Pant batted so low, with his last such appearance dating back to his debut season in 2016. While the reasons behind the decision remain unclear, it’s evident that the move did not pay off.

What added to the sense of frustration was Pant’s ongoing struggles with the bat this season. Across nine matches, the Delhi skipper has managed just 106 runs, with a below-par average of 13.25 – a far cry from the explosive form that has made him a fan favourite in previous seasons. The IPL 2025 campaign, thus far, has been a challenging one for Pant, who is yet to find his rhythm and deliver the kind of performances that have often been the hallmark of his game.

In the dugout, Pant could be seen visibly upset as he watched his team battle against Lucknow. As the game unfolded, his body language suggested the growing sense of frustration that had been mounting over the past few matches. The delay in his arrival at the crease seemed to add to his agitation, with the talented batter hoping for a turnaround that never came.

For Pant, who has often been compared to MS Dhoni for his finishing abilities, this season has been far from ideal. The ability to anchor an innings or provide a much-needed acceleration late in the game has been a hallmark of his career, but IPL 2025 has so far failed to witness that signature Pant aggression.

With the season progressing, Delhi Capitals and their fans will hope that Pant can find his form before it’s too late. However, for now, the frustration is palpable, and the road ahead seems like a steep one for both Pant and his team as they continue to chase elusive victories.