Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin A strong appeal has been made to the captain of Lucknow Supergiants. Rishabh Pantasked him to commit to batting for the entire IPL 2026 season.Pant’s batting position has been a major talking point in the new campaign, especially after a mixed run in the previous edition where he struggled for consistency apart from a century. In their recent clash against Delhi Capitals at the Ekna Cricket Stadium, Pant pushed himself to the top but was unfortunately run out to end his dismissal.
Also opening. Mitchell MarshPant added a left-right combination at the top, furthering that form. Aidan Markram Down to number 3. The LSG skipper looked fluid during his brief stay, even hitting a crisp straight drive at Mukesh Kumar, before an odd moment caught Pant short as Marsh’s shot deflated at the non-striker’s end of the stumps.Reacting to the situation, Ashwin felt that Pant should avoid uncertainty and stick to the opening.“The way Rishabh Pant got out was very unfortunate, and even more unfortunate the way he was talked about after the match. He was asked if he would open the innings, he said 50-50. I beg you with folded hands, please open in every match. Justin Langer, or whoever is in the LSG team management, should go and tell Powerplay that PSB should go for free.” And play full 14 games as an opener,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.He further explained that if Pant bats lower down the order, his impact may be reduced.“If he comes in to bat after the powerplay, the bowlers have a strategy to stop him. So, I think he should start batting for himself and also for LSG.”Pant’s record as an opener in the IPL is limited. In six innings at the top, he has scored 132 runs at an average of 22.00 and a strike rate of 128.16, including a half-century.Despite Ashwin’s tough stance, Pant hinted that his role is yet to be decided.“It’s still a 50-50 call, but you will definitely see me batting in the top order this season,” Pant said after the defeat.
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Reflecting on the run-out and the loss, the wicketkeeper-batsman emphasized the importance of going fast.“The best way to recover is to move on and not dwell on it too much. Some things are out of your control, and thinking about them only puts you on the back foot. It’s about looking forward and staying positive,” she said.LSG next face Sunrisers Hyderabad led by Ishan Kishan at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 5, where Pant’s batting position will once again be in the spotlight.
