Excuses Out, Action In: Rayudu Tells Pant to Lead from the Front After LSG’s Latest Slip

Ambati Rayudu, a former cricketer for India, has issued a warning to the captian of Lucknow Super Giants, Rishabh Pant, following the team's defeat to Delhi Capitals on Tuesday. Rayudu, appearing on Star Sports, mentioned that Pant needed to be accountable for LSG's outcomes and stop making excuses for a series of disappointing games in IPL 2025. 

 

In the match, Pant made the decision to put himself down to bat at number seven, following Ayush Badoni and David Miller, and even Abdul Samad, ended up out for a two-ball duck. His struggles with the bat have reached a new low, and with just 106 runs after eight innings, his form and captaincy are being questioned while LSG have now suffered five defeats that have plunged them to fifth place in the points table.

 

"Pant really needs to take the control of the decisions that are being made at LSG. He needs to come up the order. He cannot give any more excuses. He is the captain and it is a captain’s sport. We all acknowledge that," said Rayudu. He went on to emphasize that Pant needs to lead from the front, suggesting that all team discussions should be privvately and not visible to the public.

 

Rayudu also suggested that LSG tinker with their playing XI, including incorporating Mayank Yadav, and also reiterated that Pant must bat higher up to inspire the team. His comments were made after there was video footage of a clearly amimated discussion of Pant with LSG mentor Zaheer Khan in the dugout.

 

As LSG prepare to play against Mumbai Indians on April 27, all eyes will be on Pant to see if he responds to Rayudu's call to action in his own bat and LSG's hereto unsuccessful campaign.

Source: Times Now