Lucknow: Mounting losses for the Lucknow Super Giants in Indian Premier League 2026 have sparked fresh scrutiny of skipper Rishabh Pant, with former India batter Manoj Tiwary questioning key tactical decisions—particularly the non-selection of Arjun Tendulkar.
The criticism follows Lucknow’s seventh defeat of the season, where despite posting a formidable 228/5, they lost by six wickets to the Mumbai Indians. The result has intensified concerns over the team’s performance and leadership approach.
Bowling Concerns Continue
Lucknow’s bowling unit once again failed to defend a strong total. Bowlers like Mohsin Khan and Mohammed Shami proved expensive, allowing the opposition to chase comfortably. The only bright spot was Prince Yadav, who maintained control with an economical spell, conceding just 24 runs in three overs.
Questions Over Team Selection
Tiwary raised concerns about Pant’s use of available resources, suggesting that Arjun Tendulkar—who has reportedly been working on yorkers in training—could have been deployed to strengthen the bowling attack. According to him, the lack of tactical flexibility and failure to adapt strategies during the match proved costly.
Comparison with Senior Captains
Drawing comparisons with seasoned leaders like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, Tiwary noted that Pant still has room to grow in terms of game awareness and on-field decision-making. He emphasised that successful captains often guide bowlers to execute specific plans—such as consistent yorker deliveries in high-scoring games.
Disappointing Season for LSG
The season has been underwhelming for Lucknow, especially after investing heavily in Pant, who became one of the most expensive players in IPL history. Out of nine matches played so far, the team has managed just two wins while suffering seven losses, leaving them on the brink of elimination from the playoff race.
With pressure mounting and expectations unmet, all eyes are now on how Pant and the team management respond in the remaining fixtures of the tournament.
