Rishabh Pant Opening IPL 2025: Sanjay Bangar Urges LSG to Promote Their Skipper
The discussion around Rishabh Pant opening IPL 2025 has intensified after his underwhelming start as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain. Following a narrow defeat to Delhi Capitals, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has advised LSG to promote Pant to the top of the batting order.
Pant was dismissed for a six-ball duck in LSG’s IPL 2025 opener, bowled by Kuldeep Yadav. The loss was made even more bitter after he missed a crucial stumping opportunity in the final over, allowing Delhi to seal the game by just one wicket. Now, with Sunrisers Hyderabad next in line, experts believe a batting order shuffle could unlock Pant’s potential.
Why Rishabh Pant Opening IPL 2025 Makes Strategic Sense
Sanjay Bangar believes the best way to revive Pant’s confidence and game is by letting him open the innings. Speaking to the IPL broadcasters, Bangar stated:
“I always believed that in white-ball cricket, the best position for Rishabh Pant is at the top. Let him open the innings in IPL 2025. Free him up and let him set the tone.”
Bangar also suggested that LSG should drop Aiden Markram and bring in Shamar Joseph to bolster the bowling unit. This would allow Pant the freedom to lead from the front without worrying about middle-order congestion or late-innings pressure.
Rishabh Pant Opening IPL 2025: Stats Back the Move
The idea of Rishabh Pant opening IPL 2025 isn’t just based on gut feel — the numbers support it too. As an opener in T20 cricket, Pant has scored 644 runs in 21 matches, averaging 32.20 with a highest score of 116* against Himachal Pradesh in 2018.
Known for his aggressive intent and fearlessness against both pace and spin, Pant could thrive in the powerplay when field restrictions allow more freedom to attack. His natural game suits the openers’ role, and giving him early momentum might translate into better captaincy on the field.
Kane Williamson Backs Pant to Bounce Back
Adding to the support for Rishabh Pant opening IPL 2025, former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson also voiced his confidence in Pant ahead of LSG’s next clash against SRH.
“He’s a class player with a lot of experience. The IPL is a long tournament, and Rishabh is someone who always takes the game on. You can expect him to do well in Hyderabad,” said Williamson.
Pant has always had the backing of cricketing legends, and despite a rough return to competitive cricket, most agree it’s only a matter of time before he finds his rhythm.
LSG vs SRH: The Perfect Time for Rishabh Pant Opening IPL 2025
As Lucknow prepares to face the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, the pressure is on to make quick strategic changes. Promoting Pant could prove to be a turning point for the franchise.
Rishabh Pant opening IPL 2025 isn’t just about individual performance — it’s about setting the tone for the rest of the batting lineup. With his ability to dominate bowlers early, Pant can take control of the game and relieve pressure from the middle order.
Final Thoughts on Rishabh Pant Opening IPL 2025
Whether it’s to boost his confidence or to exploit the powerplay, the idea of Rishabh Pant opening IPL 2025 has both statistical and strategic merit. Backed by legends like Sanjay Bangar and Kane Williamson, the move could redefine LSG’s season and reposition Pant as one of the most dangerous T20 openers in the league.
If LSG are looking for a spark, letting their captain lead from the front might just be the answer.
