IPL 2025 Match 40: Rishabh Pant batting position vs DC and Mukesh Kumar 4 wickets vs LSG
In an intriguing first innings of the LSG vs DC clash, Lucknow Super Giants looked poised for a big total after a solid start but faltered in the second half. A surprising tactical move saw captain Rishabh Pant demote himself in the batting order, which ultimately backfired as LSG managed just 159/6 in their 20 overs. Let’s look in depth on Rishabh Pant batting position vs DC in today’s match.
Lucknow Super Giants got off to a strong start in their clash against Delhi Capitals, reaching 87 for 1 at the halfway stage of their innings. Aiden Markram (52 off 33) provided the initial flourish, supported by Mitchell Marsh, but things quickly spiraled after the 10th over as LSG struggled to accelerate.
In a surprising tactical move, Rishabh Pant, who usually bats at number 4 or 5, came in at number 7, sending Abdul Samad, David Miller, and Ayush Badoni ahead of him. Unfortunately for LSG, the strategy failed to produce the desired results.
After the dismissal of Markram at the end of the 10th over, wickets fell at regular intervals, disrupting LSG’s momentum. Pooran and Samad fell cheaply, and even Mitchell Marsh, who scored 45 off 36, couldn’t provide the late impetus.
Pant’s decision to delay his arrival raised eyebrows, particularly given the platform LSG had set for a strong finish. By the time he walked in to play the final two balls of the innings there was no opportunity left to impact the game, and he was dismissed for a two-ball duck.
Mukesh Kumar’s 4-wicket haul vs LSG
Mukesh Kumar was instrumental in derailing LSG’s finish, picking up four wickets. Despite Ayush Badoni’s spirited 36 off 21, which included three boundaries in the final over, LSG could only manage 72 runs in the last 10 overs, a stark contrast to their brisk start.
Why did Pant bat at No. 7?
The decision to hold back Pant might have been intended to keep a finisher in reserve, but with wickets tumbling and pressure mounting, it turned into a missed opportunity. Pant’s usual presence in the middle overs could have stabilized the innings and possibly pushed the total beyond 170. Instead, LSG ended with a modest 159 for 6, giving DC a manageable target and leaving questions over tactical choices in crunch situations.
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