Introduction: In a thrilling clash that could define the playoff race of IPL 2025, Rishabh Pant turned the tide with a jaw-dropping performance at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper, who had been struggling for form, roared back to life with a scintillating 54-ball century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their final league stage encounter. But it wasn’t just his bat that lit up the stadium—Pant’s wild backflip celebration after reaching the milestone has taken the internet by storm, becoming the talk of the cricket world!
The Turnaround: Heading into this must-win game for RCB, Pant’s season had been nothing short of a nightmare. With just 151 runs in 11 innings at a dismal average of 13.73 and a strike rate of 107.09, the pressure was mounting on the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman to deliver. And deliver he did, in style! Pant reached his hundred in the 18th over (17.5 balls to be precise), marking his second IPL century and his first in seven years since an unbeaten 128 off 63 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018 at Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla. This knock also etched his name in history as the fastest century by an LSG batter in IPL, surpassing previous records with ease.
The Innings of Impact: Pant’s explosive innings laid the foundation for LSG’s mammoth total of 227/3 after being asked to bat first. His aggressive intent was on full display as he partnered with Mitchell Marsh for a blistering 152-run stand. Marsh, equally destructive, contributed 67 off 37 balls, as the duo dismantled RCB’s bowling attack, featuring stalwarts like Mohammed Siraj and Josh Hazlewood. Pant’s knock included 10 fours and 7 sixes, showcasing a perfect blend of timing, power, and innovation. Every corner of the Ekana Stadium reverberated with chants of his name as he unleashed carnage on the opposition.
The Celebration That Broke the Internet: As the ball raced to the boundary for his century, Pant unleashed a celebration that matched the intensity of his innings. Dropping his bat, he executed a perfect backflip, much to the delight of the roaring crowd and his teammates. The moment, captured on camera, has gone viral across social media platforms, with fans and pundits alike hailing it as one of the most iconic celebrations in IPL history. “I just felt the adrenaline rush and wanted to express my joy,” Pant later said in a post-match interview, flashing his trademark cheeky grin. This wasn’t just a century; it was a statement of intent from a player determined to reclaim his spot among the elite.
The Context and Stakes: The timing of Pant’s resurrection couldn’t have been more dramatic. For RCB, a victory in this game was crucial to secure a top-two finish and a direct berth in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings (PBKS), offering them two opportunities to reach the IPL final. LSG’s daunting total, powered by Pant’s heroics, has thrown a significant challenge at Bengaluru’s star-studded batting lineup, including names like Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell. With playoff implications hanging in the balance, every run and wicket in this chase promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. LSG, under Pant’s leadership, are not just playing for pride but also for a chance to disrupt the top order of the points table.
Conclusion: Rishabh Pant’s record-breaking century and electrifying backflip celebration have redefined the narrative of IPL 2025’s final league stage game between LSG and RCB. From a season of struggles to a night of sheer brilliance, Pant has reminded the cricketing world of his unmatched potential and flair. As clips of his celebration continue to dominate social media feeds, one thing is clear—Pant is back, and he’s here to entertain, inspire, and dominate. Will RCB rise to the challenge, or will LSG’s towering total prove insurmountable? Stay tuned as this blockbuster clash unfolds!