'LSG needed him to stay till the end': Mohammed Kaif wants Rishabh Pant to 'take responsibility'
Lucknow Super Giants secured a nail-biting win against Kolkata Knight Riders, with debutant Mukul Choudhary starring in the chase. Despite the victory, former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif criticized Rishabh Pant's game awareness and leadership, urging the captain to take more responsibility and bat longer in crucial situations. Pant's inconsistent form was highlighted as a concern.
Lucknow Super Giants won the last-ball thriller against Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday, debutant Mukul Choudhary pulled the chase single-handedly. Despite LSG's win, former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has criticised Rishabh Pant, stating that the skipper must improve his game awareness and take greater responsibility. Pant endured another underwhelming outing, scoring just 10 runs, as LSG’s top order struggled.
However, the team managed to pull off a thrilling three-wicket victory in Kolkata. Pant’s form has been inconsistent this season, with two low scores surrounding a solitary half-century in his first three matches. Speaking on Star Sports, Kaif highlighted the lack of consistency and stressed that an experienced player like Pant should take charge of the chase and bat till the end.
''... the team needed him to stay till the end,” Kaif said. “He is an experienced player and has been playing in the IPL since 2016.
The situation when he came in wasn’t very difficult, LSG had already scored 41 in the first five overs. One batter needed to take responsibility and guide the chase, and that role was meant for Pant. '' Kaif further emphasised the importance of leadership, stating that a captain must lead from the front.