Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Lucknow Super Giants’ handling of Rishabh Pant, suggesting there may be more going on behind the scenes regarding his batting role. The former India spinner believes Pant should be given a consistent run as an opener instead of uncertainty around his position.

Pant opened alongside Mitchell Marsh against Delhi Capitals but was run out for 7 in unfortunate fashion after a deflection off Mukesh Kumar’s hand hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Despite the early dismissal, Pant hinted at continuing in the top order, prompting Ashwin to weigh in on the situation on his YouTube channel.

“All of these statements will not confuse anyone, but himself. The reason why Rishabh gave such a statement is because there is some secret. It means that the team management is discussing this with him. There is no point of doubt in my mind.

If I were there, Rishabh would open the innings for the entire season. But now, what is happening, there should be no inconsistency in what you are saying. I know he made a 100 at No.3, but opening suits him, so you should have some patience,” Ashwin said.

Pant’s promotion to the top comes with statistical backing. Across 23 T20 innings as an opener, he has struck at 159, including a century and five fifties, numbers that underline his effectiveness in the role.

However, LSG’s experiment did not pay off in their opener. The side was bowled out for 141, with Abdul Samad (36) and Mitchell Marsh (35) offering resistance, before Delhi chased it down comfortably through Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs.

WILL RISHABH PANT OPEN FOR LSG?

After the DC clash, Pant himself hinted at a continued role at the top despite the early setback, adding further intrigue to LSG’s plans.

During the post-match presentation, Pant dropped a cryptic comment that only fuelled speculation around his position.

“I think it’s a 50-50 call, but we’ll see. But you will definitely see me in the top order,” he said.

The numbers strongly support the move. Opening allows Pant to maximise the powerplay, where his attacking game can flourish, and his record suggests he is far more impactful in that role than in the middle order.

Ashwin’s comments, however, highlight a broader issue of clarity. For a player like Pant, whose game thrives on instinct, a defined role could be key. Whether LSG persist with the experiment or revert to a safer option could shape not just Pant’s season, but their campaign as well.

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