Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the way Rishabh Pant is being utilized at Lucknow Super Giants, implying that the situation may be more complex than it appears publicly. Ashwin believes the uncertainty around Pant’s batting position could end up unsettling even the captain, and argues that the franchise would be best served by giving Pant a clearly defined responsibility for the full IPL season.
The discussion around Pant’s role gathered momentum in Lucknow’s first match of IPL 2026, when they faced Delhi Capitals. In that opening game, Pant was unexpectedly promoted to the top of the order, taking the new-ball challenge as the skipper tried a bold early-game strategy. The move backfired, with Pant contributing just seven runs before a run-out ended his stay in the contest in a chaotic fashion, and the batting unit subsequently lost momentum.
Even after the criticism that followed, Pant later suggested that he might continue batting in the same role. Ashwin, however, felt that Pant’s comments lacked convincing clarity, which only deepened the ambiguity around the captaincy call. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said the repeated messaging would not confuse anyone else besides Pant himself, hinting that there could be internal talks shaping Pant’s plans.
“All of these statements will not confuse anyone but himself. The reason why Rishabh gave such a statement is because there is some secret. It means that the team management is discussing this with him. There is no doubt in my mind,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin added that if he were in charge, Pant would be opening throughout the season, but stressed that the current approach should avoid mixed signals. He pointed out that while Pant has previously produced a hundred at No. 3, opening is also a role that suits him, and therefore the team should show patience with the decision.
“If I were there, Rishabh would open for the entire season. But what is happening now, there should be no inconsistency in what you are saying. I know he made a hundred at No. 3, but opening suits him, so you should have some patience,” he added.
Historically, Pant has opened in T20 cricket 23 times, posting a strike rate of 159, including one century and five half-centuries. Still, Ashwin’s point suggests the latest promotion may not have been entirely driven by a straightforward performance blueprint.
The wicketkeeper-batter clarified that the decision had a tactical basis, with the aim of establishing a left-right combination at the top of the order. The idea was also to limit the opposition’s early options, particularly the ability to bring in a left-arm spinner right at the start of the innings.
How long Lucknow plans to stick with the experiment will likely become clearer in their next outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday.
