Irfan Pathan Slams Pant Over Ravi Bishnoi Call

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has said that Rishabh Pant did not show much confidence in Ravi Bishnoi during IPL 2025. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) finished seventh last season in the tournament.

Bishnoi was signed for INR 7.2 Crores

Ravi Bishnoi was signed by Rajasthan Royals for INR 7.4 Crores in the IPL 2026 Mini Auction. He registered the same at the base price of INR 2 Crores.

RR, Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad were engaged in an intense bidding war for the leg-spinner. In the end, RR made the winning bid and acquired Bishnoi. He has taken 61 T20I wickets in 42 matches at an average of 19.37, with two wicket hauls.

The 25-year-old featured in 11 matches in the Indian Premier League last season, taking nine wickets at an economy rate of 10.83.

“Captain Rishabh Pant’s lack of confidence in Ravi Bishnoi”

Speaking at the TATA IPL Auction Review, Irfan Pathan shared his views on the balance of the LSG squad and key signings for the 2026 IPL season.

“Looking at Anrich Nortje and Hasaranga, LSG have very strong options, especially in the fast bowling department, which was much needed. If the fast bowlers stay fit, they make a formidable unit. Hasaranga is a huge benefit – last year, there was a lack of confidence from captain Rishabh Pant in Ravi Bishnoi. Hasaranga, bought for ₹2 crore, is a solid and cost-effective addition.”

“However, with batsmen like Aayush Badoni and Abdul Samad, LSG could have done with another top-order batsman. I was hoping for someone like Livingstone. Overall, there is still a need for at least five more quality batsmen in the team,” Pathan said.

Chopra’s view on batting LSG

JioStar expert Aakash Chopra also spoke about LSG’s batting line-up. He mentioned the franchise’s concerns along with their bowling options.

“LSG has kept Rishabh Pant at number three, but the batting order remains a question mark. Pant can play higher, and last season’s top order was exceptional – three of the top four batsmen scored more than 500 runs, which is very rare. The real problem was the lower order; at five, six and seven, players like David Miller couldn’t perform consistently last season.”

“This season, LSG has more bowling options with Hasaranga, Mohammed Shami, Avish Khan and Mayank Yadav, along with Akash Singh, Prince Yadav and Arjun Tendulkar. Despite these improvements, lower-order batting remains a concern that has not been fully addressed,” Chopra said.

Lucknow Super Giants team for IPL 2026

Abdul Samad, Aayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, Matthew Britsky, Himmat Singh, Rishabh Pant (c), Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arsheen Kulkarni, Mayank Yadav, Avish Khan, Mohsin Khan, Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh, Mohammed Shami, Arjun Tendulkar, Wanendu Hasaranga, Anresh Nortje, Mukul Chaudhary, Naman Tiwari, Akshat Rajwanshi, Josh Inglis

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