Table of Contents
After a string of underwhelming performances, Rishabh Pant finally rose to the occasion with a captain’s knock, steering Lucknow Super Giants to a competitive 166/7 against Chennai Super Kings at the Ekana Stadium in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, although LSG failed to win the match eventually. Coming in under pressure at 23/2 during the powerplay, Pant absorbed the early blows and anchored the innings with a mature 63 off 49 balls.
Rishabh Pant roars back to form with a half-century against CSK
It was a crucial return to form for the Pant, who had earlier registered just one over 20 score in six matches this season. With Mitchell Marsh offering brief support, Pant remained the glue in the middle overs, ensuring LSG crossed the 70-run mark before taking charge of the acceleration phase. While Pant initially struggled to find rhythm against CSK’s spin attack, he made up for it in the death overs with a flurry of calculated strokes, including 4 boundaries and as many sixes.
His ability to shift gears highlighted the experience he brings to LSG’s lineup. Dismissed by Matheesha Pathirana in the penultimate over, Pant’s innings not only added stability but also helped his side reach a respectable total on a tricky surface. Prior to this outing, his scores of all under 30 in last five innings had raised concerns, especially given his INR 27 crore price tag. This fifty was not just redemption – it was a reminder of his resilience.
Also WATCH: MS Dhoni’s underarm brilliance stuns Abdul Samad – IPL 2025, LSG vs CSK
An emotional support from Pant’s girlfriend Isha Negi lights up Instagram
While Pant did the talking with the bat on the field, his long-time partner Isha Negi made a quiet, emotionally resonant gesture off it. As Rishabh played perhaps his most important innings of the season, Isha took to Instagram to celebrate the moment in her own style.
She first shared a photo of Pant’s jersey carefully placed against the backdrop of a bustling highway, accompanied by a subtle yet touching heart emoji – a simple act that spoke volumes about her unwavering support. In another story, she immortalized the moment Pant reached his fifty with a screen capture of the scoreboard and an image of him mid-celebration.
For a player who has battled not just poor form but also the weight of expectations after returning from a long injury layoff, this emotional backing from a loved one added an intimate dimension to an already special night.
Also READ: SRH spinner Adam Zampa ruled out of the IPL 2025; replacement announced
