Lucknow Super Giants will take to the field once again on Sunday when they compete against Mumbai Indians in a crucial match for the playoffs spot. Following a sluggish beginning to IPL 2025, MI found their rhythm in the past couple of weeks, achieving four consecutive victories as they approach the game against LSG at the Wankhede Stadium. The season has been uneven for the Super Giants, yet they remain firmly in the race for the playoffs, having secured five victories in nine matches.

Nevertheless, one of the primary issues for LSG is the performance of their captain, Rishabh Pant. The wicketkeeper-batter has managed only one half-century this season, and his struggles with the bat led LSG to promote Pant to no. 7 in their most recent game against Chennai Super Kings. This decision attracted criticism from both experts and fans, and even Pant appeared unhappy in the dugout as he waited to bat; the captain came to the crease with merely two balls left in the inning and was out without contributing to the score.

In advance of the team's matchup against MI, Sehwag elaborated on the worries surrounding Pant and his batting order, urging the young player to learn from his own experiences during the 2011 World Cup. The former opener shared how he informed the entire Indian team that he would keep one of the two DRS for himself when the team was batting.

“A captain should determine which position he prefers to play. In the 2011 World Cup, I announced to everyone that the first DRS is mine, regardless of whether I'm out or not. The remaining one can be shared by the rest of the team. That was the approach I took,” Sehwag told Cricbuzz.

“I was aware that I could win the game if I lasted long at the crease. This is a reality. You can check with Gary Kirsten, MS Dhoni, or Sachin Tendulkar. The ball struck my pad, and I immediately called for DRS (in the final). Even they (the teammates) recognized that I could secure the win based on my playing style. Rishabh Pant must adopt a similar mindset. He has to convey that he can secure victories for LSG if he bats in the correct position,” Sehwag added.

No. 4 ideal for Pant

Sehwag mentioned that Pant should be reinstated to no. 4 for LSG, noting that the top-3 combination should remain unchanged.

“I believe no. 4 is optimal for him. When you're not making runs, management pushes you lower in the order. They rely on the players who are in form, which is why he batted at no. 7. If your top-3 is performing until 12-13 overs, you attempt to utilize your in-form players to the fullest extent. That could explain the reasoning,” Sehwag stated.

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