IPL 2025 continues to serve up surprises, after MS Dhoni shocked supporters by arriving at No. 9 twice in a row, Rishabh Pant was the latest sensation after he played at No. 7 in Delhi Capitals’ match against Lucknow Super Giants.
KL Rahul Shines For Delhi Capitals
But it was KL Rahul who was was on the winning side with an unblemished half-century, Rahul led Delhi to a comprehensive victory, while Pant had a night to forget after he was dismissed for a duck and embroiled in a post-match spat that fueled the speculation. In spite of the bandaged hand, Pant found a place in the playing XI, which implied that he was fit. Still, he was strangely reserved till the 18th over before being asked to bat, eyebrow-raising within the commentary cubicle. Harbhajan Singh noted that the late introduction by Pant despite his visible readiness to launch seemed to be a sign of a potential issue in the huddle.
Rishabh Pant Out On A Duck
After he was shown the door, Pant seemed to be involved in an intense chat with assistant coach Zaheer Khan, captured live and soon later picked apart by Suresh Raina and Anil Kumble. Body language, in the views of the commentaters, told its own tale about something going seriously wrong at the DC camp.
Harbhajan Singh Hints At Rising Tension
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh implied that there with something wrong and Rishabh Pant seemed unhappy.
“Why did Rishabh Pant bat at No. 7? It’s beyond my thinking. Let’s try to solve it. Is Rishabh Pant batting at No. 7 justified? Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni batted ahead of him. Whose decision was it? It was either the team management’s or Pant’s. Pant however was furious. He was angry. Seemed as if he was told something because of which he wasn’t happy. His mood was off too,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
Pant Demoted To No.7 Against DC
“This is my opinion. Some discussion took place about Rishabh Pant, which probably made him upset. We know Pant well. He is a good kid, who respects elders and seniors. But is it right? If Pant is struggling for form, would you demote him at No. 7? He is your captain. You send him at the toss. I didn’t like it. How can a team win if its captain is unhappy.”
