R Ashwin requests Rishabh Pant with folded hands after LSG hammered by DC: ‘Justin Langer should…’

Ashwin expressed disappointment over both Rishabh Pant’s dismissal and his uncertainty about continuing as an opener, urging him to show conviction.

Updated on: Apr 2, 2026, 12:04:45 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged Rishabh Pant to stick with the opening role despite his failure against Delhi Capitals. Leading Lucknow Super Giants, Pant chose to move up the order, breaking last season’s successful opening combination of Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram. It was a bold call from the skipper, who walked out with intent, looking to set the tone early. However, things didn’t go his way as he was run out in an unfortunate mix-up after scoring just 7. His early departure triggered a collapse, leaving LSG struggling for momentum. The batting unit never quite recovered from the setback and were eventually bowled out for 141, falling well short of a competitive total on the night.

LSG skipper Rishabh Pant was dismissed for just 7. (AFP)

Ashwin expressed disappointment over both Pant’s dismissal and his uncertainty about continuing as an opener, urging him to show conviction. He called on the team management to back Pant in the role and allow him to play with freedom at the top throughout the season.

"It was very unfortunate the way Rishabh Pant got out, and even more unfortunate the way he talked after the match. He was asked whether he would open the innings, and he replied 50-50. I request you with folded hands, please open in every match. Justin Langer, or whoever is there in the LSG team management, should go and tell Rishabh Pant to go out there and play freely in the powerplay. Go and play the entire 14 games as an opener," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Also Read - Rishabh Pant as opener isn't the answer: Why LSG must rethink their bold batting call

Ashwin further explained his reasoning, pointing out that batting later allows bowlers to plan better against Pant, making a strong case for him to continue opening for both his own benefit and the team’s balance.

"If he comes into bat after the powerplay, the bowlers have a strategy to stop him. So, I think he should open the batting, for himself and for LSG as well," he added.

Rishabh 50-50 on opening the innings again

Pant has opened the innings in 23 T20 matches, where he has a strike rate of 159 with a century and five fifties, but after an unfortunate dismissal against the Delhi Capitals, the LSG skipper isn't sure whether he will be facing the new ball throughout the entire course of the Indian Premier League this season.

"It's a 50-50 call," Pant said when asked if he would continue opening throughout instead of the crack pair of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.