Mumbai: Lucknow Super Giants find themselves under intense pressure once again after a rough run in IPL 2026, having lost six of their eight league matches. With playoff qualification now looking uncertain, attention has turned to the performances within the dressing room\u2014especially captain Rishabh Pant, whose uneven batting form has been a major talking point.<\/p>\n
LSG\u2019s struggles have been driven in part by problems at the top of the order, but the season\u2019s defining concern has been the inconsistency of their captain. Pant, bought for a record fee of Rs 27 crore ahead of the campaign, has not been able to provide the kind of impact expected from the franchise\u2019s marquee signing.<\/p>\n
Pant\u2019s challenges were already visible in IPL 2025. He finished that season with 269 runs from 14 matches, striking at 133.16 and averaging 24.45\u2014his lowest output in the tournament since his debut year of 2016.<\/p>\n
In IPL 2026, the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter has managed 189 runs in eight matches. His average stands at 27.00, while his strike rate is 126.84. So far, he has registered only one fifty, adding to concerns about his ability to consistently anchor or accelerate when required.<\/p>\n
At the start of the season, Pant was used to open the batting. Later, the team shifted him back into the middle order, a move that was intended to find a better rhythm for his innings. Even with training support from former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh ahead of the tournament\u2014aimed at reviving his white-ball skills\u2014questions about his current performances have continued to linger.<\/p>\n
Bowling coach Bharat Arun pushed back on the idea that the hefty price tag is weighing on Pant\u2019s mind. Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of LSG\u2019s clash against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, Arun said he does not believe the money factor is the root cause.<\/p>\n
Arun also addressed veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami, whose performance has stood out this season. Shami has taken seven wickets in eight matches, and Arun highlighted that the pacer\u2019s approach remains focused and clear.<\/p>\n
On tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav, Arun confirmed the youngster is ready to play. He said Mayank is fit and available immediately, describing his pace and form as returning to where he started.<\/p>\n
Arun further praised Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan for their improvements this season. He also underlined the value of Shami\u2019s experience in guiding the attack, while discussing how Mohsin\u2019s comeback has been handled with care due to his injury history.<\/p>\n
Mumbai: Lucknow Super Giants find themselves under intense pressure once again after a rough run in IPL 2026, having lost six of their eight league…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":7218,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"IPL 2026: LSG vs Rishabh Pant Scrutiny After Losses","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"LSG\u2019s IPL 2026 slump hits hard as Rishabh Pant\u2019s batting form draws scrutiny after heavy losses\u2014can Lucknow turn it around before playoffs slip?","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7219","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n