Rishabh Pant still got it: Fans praise LSG skipper's no-look six vs GT's Rabada
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant reminded everyone of his freakish talent and undeniable flair with a brief but blazing cameo in LSG's IPL 2025 match against Gujarat Titans - a rare spark in what has been an otherwise dismal season. Under fire for his underwhelming performances, Pant smashed 16 runs off just six balls in the final over, including a jaw-dropping no-look six off Kagiso Rabada, reigniting fan admiration and silencing critics, if only for a moment.advertisementPant walked in during the 19th over, with LSG already cruising at 212 for 2. Facing Rabada, one of the most feared pacers in T20 cricket, he wasted no time. The South African offered a slot ball outside off, and Pant pounced - launching it flat and straight down the ground with authority. It was a clean, confident strike that set the tone for the final over.GT vs LSG, IPL 2025: Updates | Full Scorecard
But the real highlight came two balls later. Pant backed away outside leg stump to a full delivery and swung it over deep backward square leg. What made the shot unforgettable wasn't just the timing or placement - it was the audacity. He didn't even look up to watch the ball sail. Head down, bat still, the no-look six was pure instinct and swagger. It was vintage Pant - and fans on social media couldn't get enough of it.advertisement"Rishabh Pant still got it. He was just going through a bad phase," one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter), capturing the mood of many who saw glimpses of the old Pant in those few fiery deliveries. WHAT A SHOT BY RISHABH PANT AGAINST RABADA ??#LSGvsGT #LSGvGT #GTvsLSG #GTvLSG #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/gCjghGaMR0— RO_KO fanclub?? (@MohammadFa83199) May 22, 2025Vintage Rishabh Pant ?? pic.twitter.com/sv8CpoJaop— ???????????? (@Shebas_10dulkar) May 22, 2025Pant's cameo helped LSG post a towering 235 for 2 - a total that proved too much for Gujarat Titans. But beyond the numbers, it was Pant's presence, confidence, and signature flair that stole the spotlight.Ironically, his moment of brilliance came just hours after a heated social media spat with a user who predicted LSG would release him before next season. The criticism, while harsh, had statistical backing. Pant, who was bought for a record ?27 crore in last year's mega auction - the most expensive buy in IPL history - had endured a forgettable 2025 campaign. Before this match, he had managed just 135 runs from 12 games, averaging 12 with a strike rate of 100 - a far cry from his usual explosive standards.Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
16 minutes ago
- India.com
IPL 2025 over, when will Virat Kohli be in action again, after Test retirement his next match is...
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. While Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by Rajat Patidar, became the IPL champion for the first time, the wait for the first title win of Punjab Kings, captained by Shreyas Iyer, continued. Former captain Virat Kohli played an important role in the victory of Royal Challengers Bangalore, who scored 657 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.75. After the end of IPL 2025, the eyes of Indian fans will be on Team India's tour of England. On the England tour, India has to play a five-match Test series against the host team from June 20. Virat Kohli is not going to be a part of this Test series as he decided to retire from Test cricket last month (May 12). Kohli had already retired from T20 International, so he will now be seen representing the Indian team only in ODI International. That is, Virat Kohli can now be seen on the field in the month of August. Let us tell you that the Indian team's England tour is to end on August 4. Then the Indian team has to go on a tour of Bangladesh, where it has to play three ODIs and three T20 matches. There is every possibility that Virat Kohli will play in the ODI series against Bangladesh. Apart from Kohli, Rohit Sharma will also be a part of that ODI series and will also captain the team. The first match of the ODI series between India and Bangladesh will be held on August 17. That is, Kohli will be seen in action through that match. Then the remaining two ODIs will be held on August 20 and August 23. After this, T20 International matches will be played on August 26, August 29 and August 31. The bilateral series between India and Bangladesh will further strengthen the growing cricket rivalry between the two South Asian neighbors. India vs Bangladesh schedule First ODI: 17 August (Sunday), Mirpur Second ODI: 20 August (Wednesday), Mirpur Third ODI: 23 August (Saturday), Chittagong First T20: 26 August (Tuesday), Chittagong Second T20: 29 August (Friday), Mirpur Third T20: 31 August (Sunday), Mirpur Virat Kohli is going to focus his entire attention on ODI cricket after retirement from T20I and Test cricket. It is being said that Kohli's final target is the ODI World Cup 2027, where he would like to bid farewell to international cricket with a title win. The 2027 ODI World Cup is to be held in the months of October-November under the joint hosting of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. That is, there is still more than two years left for that World Cup. The Indian team is going to get at least 27 ODI matches to prepare for the World Cup 2027. That is, Virat Kohli will have a big platform to prepare for the World Cup. According to the current schedule, before the ODI World Cup 2027, the Indian team will play ODI series against eight different countries. During this time, New Zealand will be the only team against which Team India will play ODI series twice. Image credit: X (Formerly Twitter) 302 ODIs, 290 innings, 14181 runs, 57.88 average 51 centuries, 74 half-centuries, 5 wickets, 93.34 strike rate 1325 fours, 152 sixes
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
India tour of England: Shubman Gill's new-era team ready for England test; Pujara and Nehra reveal key to success
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal Former Indian cricketers offered advice to the Shubman Gill-led Indian cricket team for their upcoming five-Test series in England, with Michael Vaughan suggesting this tour could mark "something special" for the visitors. The guidance comes as India undergoes a transition phase following the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, while Mohammed Shami was not selected for the touring squad. Cheteshwar Pujara emphasized the importance of adapting to English conditions for success. "India's team to England must adapt quickly and play (according) to the conditions. As someone who understands batting in English conditions and team dynamics, I believe discipline, patience and support for each other are crucial. Every player will need to contribute and respect the challenges that lay ahead. I am sure this tour will be a great opportunity for the growth and success of each player and the team as a whole," Pujara told Sony Sports, the official broadcaster. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Former left-arm pacer Ashish Nehra highlighted the challenging yet enjoyable nature of England tours. "To me, England tour is always challenging but it's great fun as well. Adapting to the conditions will be the key and I am sure our players are capable of doing that. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Bowling wise we have the experience and stability." Gautam Gambhir sends stern message after Bengaluru tragedy Irfan Pathan , former India all-rounder, stressed the importance of quick adaptation for the team's success. "India's new squad faces a tough challenge in England, but as an all-rounder, I know adaptability is key. Gill's leadership, Pant's energy, and India's young talent must step up. England's conditions test every skill — swing, seam, and temperament. If India's players adapt quickly and stay united, they can surprise England, just as we've seen in the past with new teams rising to the occasion." Quiz: Who's that IPL player? Michael Vaughan, former England captain, spoke about India's decision to appoint 25-year-old Gill as Test captain. "Well, it's official — Shubman Gill is the new face of Indian Test cricket, stepping up as captain for the England series. It's a bold move, trusting a young leader with a new-look team after the retirements of giants like Rohit and Kohli. Gill has got plenty to prove, especially away from home, but he has shown (that) he has got the temperament for big moments. With Rishabh Pant as his deputy and a squad hungry to make their mark, this England tour could be the start of something special for India's next generation. Don't be surprised if these youngsters rise to the occasion."
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
Bold claim! These 3 uncapped stars will 'definitely' make India's T20 World Cup squad
Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar NEW DELHI: Former top-order batter Robin Uthappa believes that three uncapped, explosive youngsters — Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi — will "definitely" be in contention for a place in India's squad for their T20 World Cup title defence at home next year. The recently concluded 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) saw franchises unearth several promising talents. While some emerged as prospects for the future, a few made a strong case for immediate inclusion in the national T20I setup. Punjab Kings' dynamic opening pair, Priyansh and Prabhsimran, turned heads with their fearless and aggressive batting throughout the tournament. Joining them in the spotlight was 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who opened for Rajasthan Royals and made headlines with his blistering knocks that combined power with maturity. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The rise of these young talents has created a healthy selection dilemma for India as they look to finalise their top order for the marquee tournament next year. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, both of whom have been out of the T20I setup for over a year, are still in the mix. In their absence, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have formed a new and successful opening partnership. According to Uthappa, India should use the remaining T20 internationals ahead of the tournament to fine-tune their squad and ensure full fitness among key players. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thousands Are Saving Money Using This Wall Plug elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Click Here Undo "Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, all of them will definitely be in contention for a World Cup spot. It's about using the remaining T20s before the tournament to figure out the best 15-man squad. You already have Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Yashasvi Jaiswal, all Test players who can also thrive in T20s," Uthappa said. Bombay Sport Exchange Ep. 6: Harish Thawani on cricket's TV market and the watershed moments "Then there's Sanju Samson. So it's going to be a challenge figuring out who makes the cut. Fitness will play a key role -- you want a fully fit squad going into a World Cup, and I'm sure that's something the selectors and management will be closely monitoring," he added. Prabhsimran had an impressive campaign, scoring 549 runs in 17 matches at an average of 32.29 and a strike rate of over 160. He notched up four half-centuries, with a best of 91, and finished as the eighth-highest run-scorer of the season. His opening partner Priyansh, known for his exploits in the Delhi Premier League, tallied 475 runs from 17 innings at an average of 27.94. He maintained a remarkable strike rate of 179.24 and registered a century along with two fifties. Suryavanshi, who featured in the latter stages of the tournament, impressed with 252 runs in seven matches at an average of 36.00 and an explosive strike rate of over 206.
