Lucknow Super Giants’ campaign in the IPL 2025 took a further downward spiral on Monday night, as the team failed to secure a crucial win against Sunrisers Hyderabad, leading to their elimination from playoff contention for the second consecutive year. The high-stakes match unfolded at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, where the atmosphere turned tense not just on the field but off it as well.
Team owner Sanjiv Goenka appeared visibly agitated after a disappointing performance from skipper Rishabh Pant, who was dismissed for just 7 runs off 6 balls. The dismissal came in the 12th over, when Pant was caught and bowled by SRH pacer Eshan Malinga. In a moment that captured the mood of the night, Goenka left the team’s balcony in frustration, a reaction that did not go unnoticed by spectators and cameras alike.
Despite the team’s strong batting effort, which saw them post a formidable total of 205 for 7, the bowlers could not hold their ground. SRH chased down the target with ease, completing the victory in just 18.2 overs, and sealing LSG’s fate in the tournament.
Pant’s form has been a persistent concern throughout the season. Having joined the Lucknow franchise last year for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore—the highest ever in IPL auction history—the pressure on him has been immense. However, the returns have been underwhelming. So far, he has managed to score only 135 runs across 11 innings, a tally far below expectations for a player of his stature and price tag.
As the curtain falls on LSG’s playoff hopes, the spotlight remains firmly on Pant’s form and Goenka’s public show of disappointment, signaling tough questions ahead for the franchise.
