Former India batter Mohammed Kaif questioned Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant’s approach after LSG edged Kolkata Knight Riders in a last-ball thriller in Kolkata on Thursday, insisting the wicketkeeper-batter must sharpen his game awareness and take more ownership to deliver steady results. Pant’s contribution was limited to 10 runs, and the top order struggled, but LSG still pulled off a three-wicket win, powered by Mukul Choudhary’s explosive half-century from a difficult position. Kaif said Pant has been inconsistent in the early part of the season, with two below-par scores on either side of a single half-century across his first three matches.
Kaif’s criticism of Pant after the chase
Kaif argued that an experienced IPL campaigner like Pant should have been the anchor during the chase, highlighting that the situation did not demand immediate risk-taking.
- Kaif said Pant needed to stay at the crease until the end because the team “needed him” to see the chase through.
- He noted Pant has been part of the IPL setup since 2016, and therefore should be able to manage his wicket and tempo more effectively.
- Kaif pointed out that when Pant came out, Lucknow had already accumulated 41 runs in the first five overs, making the job more about responsibility than survival.
- He stated that one batter had to take charge and bat through the run chase, and that role was expected to fall to Pant.
The former India cricketer also stressed that captaincy demands accountability in high-pressure phases. Kaif added that while Pant had done well against SRH, he still needs to produce consistent performances rather than one standout innings followed by quiet outings.
- Kaif said, as captain, if you do not assume responsibility, you cannot help your side win regularly.
- He urged Pant to read the match situation better and learn when to accelerate the scoring.
- Kaif advised that Pant should work on holding his ground at the crease and spending more time batting in order to control the chase.
Kaif’s message was clear: a captain in a pursuit should remain until the finish, and that is a habit Pant must build.
Gavaskar backs LSG’s season while flagging Pooran’s form
India great Sunil Gavaskar felt LSG are finding ways to win even when their key performers do not deliver on expectations, suggesting the franchise is not entirely dependent on its main stars. Gavaskar pointed to the way LSG rescued themselves despite a top-order that failed to get going, praising the impact of their youngsters in securing the result.
- Gavaskar said LSG managed a “miraculous” win with help from players emerging from their younger group.
- He highlighted that Mitchell Marsh did not score many runs, Aiden Markram made 22, and both Pant and Pooran struggled to build momentum.
- He contrasted this with last season, when LSG relied heavily on their core players, saying this year they are getting results without leaning solely on them.
However, Gavaskar also expressed concern about Nicholas Pooran’s current form, saying the power-hitter appeared “lost.” He explained that Pooran looked out of rhythm against KKR and that Lucknow had shuffled him to the middle order in search of additional batting firepower.
- Gavaskar said Pooran looked out of touch versus KKR, and LSG moved him to the middle order because they wanted more attacking power there.
- He added that Pooran appeared to be swinging at deliveries in the hope of making contact, which Gavaskar felt was not the Pooran LSG typically expects.
- He concluded that LSG will need to help Pooran regain confidence and find his timing again.
Choudhary’s heroics and the positives for LSG
Gavaskar also underlined the encouraging side of LSG’s win: even with their senior batters failing, the team now knows it can count on young contributors when the match turns. He singled out Mukul Choudhary’s innings as a strong example of that belief.
- Gavaskar said LSG’s success, despite top-order setbacks, shows they are capable of pulling off a heist through youngsters.
- He noted the turnaround after LSG were 104 for 5 in the 13th over, with most of their main batters already back in the dugout, yet they still finished the chase.
- He said the result gives LSG confidence that fearless young players will deliver at some point, and that belief can go a long way.
Gavaskar went further in praising Choudhary’s role in the finish, describing the innings as something special for a tournament that keeps producing new stories daily. He emphasized Choudhary’s rise—highlighting that the youngster bats at number five for Rajasthan in domestic T20 cricket—and said his IPL entry immediately sparked attention because of the way he executed his shots.
- Gavaskar called Choudhary’s performance an “unbelievable innings” and said the way he stepped up helped his side cross the line.
- He pointed out that Choudhary is a young batter for Rajasthan who typically plays at No. 5 in domestic T20 cricket.
- He said the IPL regularly brings fresh talent into focus, and Choudhary’s confidence and shot execution were “simply amazing” to watch.
