NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants mentor Zaheer Khan has backed Rishabh Pant’s leadership qualities even as the star batter continues to struggle for runs in IPL 2025, saying it’s only a matter of time before he rediscovers his batting touch.
Pant, the most expensive buy in IPL history at Rs 27 crore, has managed just 110 runs from 10 matches, including six single-digit scores. On Sunday, he fell for four while attempting a reverse sweep against part-time spinner Will Jacks in LSG’s 54-run loss to Mumbai Indians.
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However, Zaheer dismissed suggestions that the hefty price tag has added pressure on Pant. “I wouldn’t relate it to anything like that. He is a leader and he has been fantastic as a leader, that’s something which I can vouch for,” Zaheer said after the defeat at Wankhede Stadium.
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“As a leader, he is ticking all the boxes. As a batter, the middle order is dependent on Rishabh and I am very confident that the impact which we want from him will come. It’s just about something clicking,” he added.
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Zaheer stressed that Pant’s positive and optimistic attitude would help him overcome the slump. “What happened in the last game is gone. He’s very optimistic and positive. It’s about continuing with that mindset,” he said.
Confirming Pant’s central role, Zaheer said, “We have identified Rishabh as that leader who is going to take this team forward. There’s no doubt about that.”
With five wins and five losses, LSG are sixth on the table and face a crucial one-week break before taking on Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. “It’s about regrouping, rejuvenating, and finding that spark,” Zaheer said, urging his team to avoid depending on net run rate in the playoff race.
