Anchor’s Rage Leads to On-Air Outburst Over Pant’s IPL Struggles

Lucknow, India — Tensions flared during a live broadcast when a sports presenter unleashed his frustration over cricketer Rishabh Pant‘s performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Following a subpar showing by Pant, who only managed a run-a-ball 15 against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, the host displayed his displeasure by damaging studio equipment, including throwing objects at a TV screen.

Pant opened the season for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) with a lackluster six-ball duck against his former team, Delhi Capitals, prompting fan concern and media scrutiny. His critics were quick to highlight that his career T20 strike rate of 127 has plummeted, leading to calls for accountability. The presenter, representing a popular Indian sports YouTube channel, vented his frustrations with an explosive rant, claiming, ‘He has become predictable. You cannot trust him. What sort of a captain is he? We don’t need a captain like him.’

The LSG captain’s struggles were particularly stark during the match against SRH, where his performance was overshadowed by a dominant innings from teammates Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh. Despite LSG winning by five wickets and 23 balls to spare, Pant’s inability to anchor his innings raised eyebrows and disappointed fans.

Throughout the match, which saw LSG chase down a target of 191 runs in just 16.1 overs, Pant’s strike rate was the lowest of all batters who reached double figures. In 21 balls faced during the tournament so far, he has only scored six runs without hitting a boundary, disappointingly low for a player of his caliber.

Reflecting on his innings, Pant misplayed a delivery from Harshal Patel, contributing to the backlash as he walked back to the pavilion. His decisions as captain have also come under scrutiny after LSG lost to DC despite leading for a majority of that match.

However, it was Pooran’s explosive batting that shone through, with the West Indies star scoring an impressive 70 runs off just 26 balls, bolstering LSG’s run chase. Pooran’s performance included six sixes and six boundaries, providing crucial support to the team following early losses.

Lucknow also had a strong bowling performance, restricting SRH to 190 runs. Shardul Thakur, who was signed as an injury replacement, was particularly effective, achieving 4 wickets for 34 runs, including dismissing key players in successive deliveries.

As the IPL season progresses, the spotlight remains on Rishabh Pant, whose form and fitness will be critical for LSG if they aim to contend for the championship title. With growing media scrutiny and fan expectations, it is crucial for Pant to regain his form and command over the game.