Michael Vaughan Suggests Rishabh Pant Should Open for LSG in IPL 2025

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have had a mixed start to their IPL 2025 campaign, suffering a loss against Delhi Capitals before bouncing back with a win against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, one concern for the franchise has been the form of their skipper, Rishabh Pant, who has struggled to make an impact with the bat.

Pant was dismissed for a duck in his first game and followed it up with a sluggish 15-run knock off as many deliveries against SRH. With his struggles evident, former England cricketer Michael Vaughan has proposed a bold move—promoting Pant to open the innings for LSG.

Vaughan’s Argument: Pant Should Open for LSG

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Vaughan suggested that opening the batting could unlock Pant’s full potential, allowing him to maximize his attacking instincts in the powerplay.

“He’s that player, like Pooran, who can play at all positions—brilliant at the top, at No. 3 or 4, and play a great role at 5 and 6. But, fundamentally, I’ll be looking and asking, ‘Could he get me a 120 on his own’? Yes, he can. Where’s he likely to get a 120 from? At the top of the order,” Vaughan said.

While Pant has primarily batted in the middle order throughout his IPL career, Vaughan believes a shift in batting position could help him find his rhythm.

Pant’s Opening Record in IPL

Rishabh Pant has rarely opened in the IPL, having done so only four times in his career. In those outings, he has averaged just 26, with a solitary half-century to his name. Despite this modest record, Vaughan believes the powerplay conditions could work in Pant’s favor.

“Rishabh coming in at No. 4, outside the powerplay, can get bounced out. Like Pat Cummins today, who bowled him a couple of beauties that shook him up a bit. Whereas in the powerplay, you can afford to try a bouncer, but it’s a huge risk. Because if you flap it, it flies, and with only two fielders outside the circle, it’s going to land somewhere safe,” Vaughan explained.

Would LSG Consider the Move?

LSG’s current opening combination includes KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock, both experienced T20 batters. Dropping either of them to accommodate Pant at the top would be a bold decision. However, given Pant’s struggles in the middle order and Vaughan’s logic about countering the short-ball threat early in the innings, LSG might consider experimenting with their batting order in upcoming matches.

For now, Pant and LSG will be focused on maintaining their winning momentum as they prepare for their next IPL 2025 fixture. Whether the team management will take Vaughan’s advice and send Pant to open remains to be seen.

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