Kris Srikkanth Slams Justin Langer Over Rishabh Pant’s Poor Handling in IPL
In a scathing critique that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, former India captain and 1983 World Cup hero Kris Srikkanth has openly criticized Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer and mentor Zaheer Khan for their questionable handling of captain Rishabh Pant during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. Pant, acquired by LSG for a staggering ₹27 crore, has struggled to make an impact, scoring a mere 110 runs in 10 outings, raising eyebrows over the team’s strategy.
Srikkanth, known for his candid commentary, expressed bewildered frustration on his popular YouTube show, Cheeky Cheeka. “I didn’t understand. Why did he come to bat for just two balls?” he questioned, referencing a recent match against Delhi Capitals where Pant was sent in at number 7 with only two deliveries left in the innings. Pant was dismissed off the final ball, failing to score, a decision that left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
“What’s Langer trying to do? What’s the team management trying to do? What is Zaheer Khan trying to do?” Srikkanth continued, highlighting a lack of clarity in LSG’s batting order decisions. He further speculated on Pant’s own agency, stating, “Some people say Rishabh Pant wanted to go in to bat earlier, but they didn’t allow him. But he is the captain. Why should he need anybody’s permission to go in? At the end of the day, it’s the team management’s decision.”
Adding weight to Srikkanth’s concerns, former India captain Anil Kumble also voiced his disapproval of the bizarre tactical move during a discussion on JioCinema. “It’s alright if you wanted to bat more freely under less pressure by coming in late, but this was way too late,” Kumble remarked. He pointed out Pant’s visible frustration on the field, adding, “The kind of frustration Rishabh is showing is evident that he was wronged. Was it his decision? Or was it coach Justin Langer’s, or maybe mentor Zaheer Khan’s? Whose decision was it? Because he looked very frustrated.”
Pant, who made a remarkable comeback to competitive cricket after a life-threatening car accident in December 2022, has been a key figure for Indian cricket with his explosive batting and dynamic wicketkeeping. His current form slump and the controversial team decisions have sparked debates about whether LSG is utilizing its star player effectively. With the IPL season heating up, the pressure is mounting on Langer and his team to justify their strategies and get Pant back to his destructive best.
As LSG prepares to face Punjab Kings in their upcoming clash on Sunday at the scenic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala, all eyes will be on how Pant is positioned in the batting lineup. Will Langer and Khan rectify their approach, or will the criticism from legends like Srikkanth and Kumble fall on deaf ears? For now, the cricketing fraternity waits with bated breath for answers, hoping to see the swashbuckling Rishabh Pant reclaim his rightful place at the crease.