Rishabh Pant again failed to make a contribution with the bat for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), scoring just 18 off 17 deliveries in their IPL 2025 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday. His dismissal, however, was the point of discussion for the shot, but for the surreal moment leading up to it. Pant tried a forceful lofted shot against Azmatullah Omarzai in the 8th over and lost all control of his bat. The willow went airborne in one direction, while the ball went flying in another directly into the hands of Shashank Singh at deep cover.
Wait… what just happened? 😲
Bat in the air, ball in the fielder’s hands… Rishabh Pant’s dismissal had it all 👌
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Sanjiv Goenka Left In Disbelief After Pant’s Dismissal
BRO-CODE
Rishabh Pant is taking revenge on Goenka for KL Rahul.#PBKSvsLSG pic.twitter.com/R0zEgJfsg3---Advertisement---— Zaira Nizaam 🇮🇳 (@Zaira_Nizaam) May 4, 2025
The scene immediately went viral on social media, not only for the comedy of the flying bat, but also for Sanjiv Goenka’s visibly shocked response, caught live on camera as it happened. The fans had no time before they started taking guesses about Goenka’s mind as Pant’s form has been a growing cause of worry.
Arshdeep Shines Early As Punjab Rip Through LSG’s Top Order
Earlier in the game, it was Arshdeep Singh who provided PBKS with the dream start with the ball. Pacing up and moving the ball, he tore through LSG’s top order within the powerplay. In a scorching third over, Arshdeep got rid of both openers Mitchell Marsh flicking one to deep square leg, and Aiden Markram chopping on to his stumps.
He then pounded again, leaving Nicholas Pooran LBW with a cutting in-swinger which left LSG reeling at 38/3 after the powerplay their lowest this season during this phase.
Prabhsimran’s Explosive 91 Sets Up Punjab’s Big Total
Punjab Kings earlier in the day left 236/5 on the board largely due to the dominating 91 by Prabhsimran Singh off mere 48 balls. He topped the charge with a burst of boundaries and was ably-supported by several swift cameos, providing PBKS with a sound platform at their second home stadium the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
LSG Fight Back Late But Fall Short
In spite of the collapse of the top order, Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad provided some resistance for LSG with a strong sixth-wicket partnership. The two combined to score an 81-run partnership, with Samad hitting 45 from 24 balls and Badoni scoring a brave 74 off 40 deliveries.
Samad came back with huge blows off Vyshak Vijaykumar and Marcus Stoinis, while Badoni displayed elegant strokeplay with sixes and sweeps that injected some life into the pursuit. But Yuzvendra Chahal sent Badoni back just when LSG appeared to pick up steam, keeping PBKS in command.
Punjab Cruise To 37-Run Win, Rise To Second Spot
Punjab Kings won by 37 runs and grabbed the second spot in the IPL points table. Having a mountain of a target and wickets early on their side, PBKS had control in the game throughout. LSG, even with the flourish in the end, could do no better than 199/7 in 20 overs.
While Punjab were celebrating a balanced performance, Lucknow were left to ponder some serious questions especially regarding the form and temperament of their INR 27 crore star, Rishabh Pant.
