‘I request you with folded hands’: R Ashwin’s emotional plea to Rishabh Pant
Ravichandran Ashwin has appealed to Rishabh Pant to open the batting for Lucknow Super Giants in every match of IPL 2026. Pant's batting position has been a key discussion point. Ashwin believes opening will benefit Pant and the team.
Pant himself stated his role is still uncertain but he will bat in the top order.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a strong appeal to Lucknow Super Giants skipper Rishabh Pant, asking him to commit to opening the batting throughout the IPL 2026 season. Pant’s batting position has been a major talking point heading into the new campaign, especially after a mixed run in the previous edition where he struggled for consistency apart from a lone century. In their recent clash against Delhi Capitals at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Pant promoted himself to the top but his outing was cut short by an unfortunate run-out.
Opening alongside Mitchell Marsh, Pant added a left-right combination at the top, pushing the in-form Aiden Markram down to No. 3. The LSG captain looked fluent during his brief stay, even striking a crisp straight drive off Mukesh Kumar, before a freak moment saw Marsh’s shot deflect onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end, catching Pant short.
Reacting to the situation, Ashwin felt Pant should avoid uncertainty and stick to opening. "It was very unfortunate the way Rishabh Pant got out, and even more unfortunate the way he talked after the match. He was asked whether he would open the innings, and he replied 50-50.