A heated exchange between Rishabh Pant and Zaheer Khan has stirred controversy after Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) crushing defeat to Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 22. The match saw LSG falter on both ends, but it was Pant's controversial position in the batting order that seems to have sparked the argument with LSG mentor Zaheer Khan.

Pant's Frustration Over Batting Position

Rishabh Pant, who had been batting at number 4 earlier in the season, found himself at number 7 in this match. The decision to send Abdul Samad, David Miller, and Ayush Badoni ahead of him raised eyebrows. By the time Pant walked out to bat, only two balls remained in the innings. This decision left many puzzled, with fans and commentators alike questioning the reasoning behind sending the captain so low in the order.

The Tension in the Dressing Room

After being clean bowled without scoring, Pant was visibly upset as he walked off the field. In the subsequent footage, a heated argument ensued between Pant and Zaheer Khan, where Pant, despite the cameras being on him, could be seen speaking angrily without restraint.

Commentators speculated that Pant’s frustration stemmed from his lower batting position, as the team management's decision to send him down in the order may have added to his anger and disappointment.

Cricketing Legends Weigh In

Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, both former cricketing legends, criticized the decision. Kumble, speaking on Star Sports, noted:

“It seems Pant is disappointed. The question is whether it was his decision to bat at number 7, or was it the management's decision? It seems like he wanted to get out early.”

Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh expressed his disbelief over the decision to send Pant so low in the batting order. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said:

“Pant is the captain; why should he bat at number 7? It’s hard to understand. Is it a decision from the management, or was it Pant’s own choice?”

Is This a Sign of Deeper Issues?

Harbhajan further questioned the impact of the decision on the team’s morale:

“If your captain is unhappy, how can the team win? Pant’s mood was off, and it seemed like something had upset him deeply.”

Fans React

The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with many fans expressing their frustration over Pant’s treatment. A video posted online captures Pant’s anger during the post-match exchanges, further fueling speculation that his batting order played a key role in his emotional reaction.

Conclusion: A Captain's Dilemma?

While it’s clear that Rishabh Pant was deeply upset, the real question remains: Why was a player of Pant’s caliber relegated to number 7? Was it a decision that truly stemmed from his form, or was there an underlying issue with team management? This incident has ignited a debate about leadership, player morale, and decision-making within LSG, leaving many to wonder if this controversy might spill over into future matches.

As LSG looks to regroup, Pant’s leadership and the team's internal dynamics may face more scrutiny in the coming days.