NEW DELHI
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar has sparked a debate by criticizing Rishabh Pant’s captaincy following Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) latest defeat. After falling to a six-wicket loss against Mumbai Indians, Bangar suggested that Pant must find more clarity and composure to lead his struggling side effectively.
Despite a massive total of 228, powered by Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 63, Lucknow could not stop Mumbai’s chase. Bangar noted that Pant’s personal struggle with the bat, scoring just 204 runs in nine innings, might be clouding his tactical decisions. He emphasized that a captain must project stability and calm, even when hurting inside, to keep the team focused during a losing streak.
“A captain has to fake composure at the forefront,” Bangar told reporters, highlighting that this steady presence has been missing from Pant’s recent interactions. With six consecutive losses, the pressure on the star wicketkeeper is at an all-time high. LSG currently sits at the bottom of the table with only four points, a far cry from the expectations that followed Pant’s record-breaking ₹27 crore signing.
The critique comes as a reality check for the franchise, which has struggled to find a winning rhythm despite heavy investment. Bangar believes that until Pant finds his own form and regains his confidence, the “boiling” frustration under the surface will continue to hurt the team’s communication and performance. As the season slips away, the focus remains on whether Pant can lead his squad out of this deep hole.