In the final league match of the IPL 2025 season, Rishabh Pant showcased his exceptional batting skills against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), though it came too late for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in terms of tournament progression. Batting at No. 3 on a lively pitch in Lucknow, Pant unleashed a formidable 118 not out from 61 balls, featuring 11 fours and eight towering sixes. With this, RCB faces the daunting task of chasing 228 to secure a top-two finish.
Having opted to bowl first, RCB quickly found success when Nuwan Thushara dismantled Matthew Breetzke’s stumps with a classic bouncer-yorker combination in the third over. However, Pant quickly shifted the momentum, taking 19 off just eight balls in the fourth over from Yash Dayal, marking one of his best scores of the season.
Commenting on RCB’s strategy, some eyebrows were raised over the delayed introduction of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, especially as Thushara extracted some initial swing. When Bhuvneshwar eventually bowled in the seventh over, Pant punished him for his short length, sending the ball soaring over deep midwicket and then capitalising on a missed opportunity by Liam Livingstone.
Alongside Pant, Mitchell Marsh played a crucial support role. After reaching 33 off 23, Marsh accelerated his innings, bringing up another fifty in rapid fashion. Their partnership flourished, yielding 152 runs off just 78 deliveries.
Though Bhuvneshwar managed to dismiss Marsh in the 16th over via a catch behind the stumps, it did little to stem the flow of runs as Pant continued unabated. With trademark flair, Pant reached his century. Bhuvneshwar delivered a full and wide delivery; Pant expertly dispatched it over extra cover. His characteristic celebration, involving a frontflip, drew cheers from both the crowd and the LSG dugout.
On the bowling front, Jitesh Sharma stepped in for Rajat Patidar but faced challenges in managing his bowlers effectively. Notably, Krunal Pandya’s limited use resulted in figures of 2-0-14-0, whereas Romario Shepherd went for 51 runs in his four overs.
LSG’s brilliance with the bat, spearheaded by Pant, sets up what promises to be an electrifying chase. However, regardless of the outcome, Pant’s innings will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of the season.
