The Indian Premier League 2026 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants turned into a talking point not just for the on-field action, but also for the intense reaction that followed online. LSG skipper Rishabh Pant faced heavy criticism from fans after another underwhelming outing with the bat, adding to concerns around his form this season.
KKR post competitive total after strong batting display
After winning the toss, Lucknow opted to bowl first, hoping to restrict KKR on what appeared to be a good batting surface. However, the hosts made full use of the conditions and posted a competitive 181/4 in their 20 overs.
KKR’s batters showed composure and attacking intent throughout the innings, ensuring that the scoreboard kept ticking. The total set up an exciting chase, putting pressure on LSG’s batting lineup to deliver under lights.
Rishabh Pant falls cheaply during crucial chase
Chasing 182, LSG needed a solid contribution from their captain Pant. However, things did not go as planned. Pant was dismissed for just 10 runs in the 9th over, a moment that proved to be a turning point in the innings.
Facing Cameron GreenPant struggled against a sharp, rising delivery. Attempting an aggressive pull shot, he lost control and ended up top-edging the ball. The catch was safely completed, leaving LSG in a difficult position.
The dismissal highlighted a recurring issue in Pant’s recent performances — inconsistency at crucial moments — which has now become a major concern for the franchise.
Pant entered IPL 2026 with massive expectations after being bought for a record ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in the tournament’s history. While flashes of brilliance have been visible, his overall performances have not consistently matched the hype. Fans and analysts alike have started questioning whether Pant is living up to the hefty price tag. His inability to anchor innings or finish games has only intensified scrutiny, especially in high-pressure chases like this one.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Life cycle of Rishabh Pant pic.twitter.com/NPnFuV13AV
— JJ (@IdliHaterr) April 9, 2026
Pooran is not your finisher, Lucknow Super Giants. He is your No. 3 batsman.
Stop those overacting stunts by coming in at No. 3, Rishabh Pant.
Bring in Josh Inglis and assign him the finisher role.You’re clueless 🤡
— ®️🦁 (@nav_een_07) April 9, 2026
Rishabh pant has reached at that stage where batting position doesn’t matter for him. He is shit at every where .
— Rajneesh Singh 🦇 (@CFC_Palmer2O) April 9, 2026
How a player like Rishabh Pant played white ball cricket at intl level is still a mystery to me
Blud is equally talented as Abhishek Porel or KS Bharat then how he managed to fool indians 🤡 https://t.co/0o5ypAfB5j
— 𝙎. (@KLfied_) April 9, 2026
https://twitter.com/Shahhoon1/status/2042290114211258825
So drunk he went and bought Rishabh pant for 27 cr.#KKRvsLSG
— Dragon (@Nick_Nova1412) April 9, 2026
Rishabh Pant is under pressure. He needs to leave LSG. Goenka is breathing down his neck which is impacting his performance. Or he must give the captaincy to Nicky P #KKRvsLSG
— Thomson Dcruz (@DcruzThomson) April 9, 2026
Can you believe this? After being bought for 27 crores, Rishabh Pant is struggling with both batting and captaincy for the last two years. 👀
Today, when the team needed him the most, Rishabh Pant got out after scoring just 10 runs off 9 balls.
Last season was already one of… pic.twitter.com/4P2Vu6512C
— Mention Cricket (@MentionCricket) April 9, 2026
WHAT A START BY CAMERON GREEN – GETS RISHABH PANT ON THE OPENING OVER.
— Rupesh suthar (@FuduuAcademy) April 9, 2026
Rishabh Pant generational fraud
10 off 9 balls innings
27 crore and still worthless #KKRvsLSG pic.twitter.com/08sOGHdwtq— Unfiltered Case (@SG_SSamson) April 9, 2026
Rishabh pant : you are an Age Fraud bro
Vaibhav suryavanshi: I might be an age fraud but not a batting fraud like you , Bitch ! pic.twitter.com/3LmHS8IGSO
— Rahul Raj (@RahulRajonX) April 9, 2026
Rishabh Pant is the only batter in this IPL who played 80+ balls with 0 six. 😭🤡 pic.twitter.com/qnEEZEukY4
— Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) April 9, 2026
Rishabh Pant batted as much as Arjun Tendulkar did, and he is also a bowler.
Na Pant se batting Na captaincy
Last season’s top 3 combination was also spoiled, what were you hoping for?
And who will abuse Goenka because of Negative PR against him?#LSG
— OUT BHAI (@OutBhai) April 9, 2026
Rishabh Pant is such a finished cricketer, not a good batter neither a good captain. He hasn’t even justified 2 crores from his 27 crores value as a batter.
I wonder how he played 74 games for India being so shit, Ishan & Samson were always a better white ball player than him!… pic.twitter.com/iwu7CckqPn
— Nafees (@Nafees_22) April 9, 2026
Cam Green bowling for the 1st time in this IPL and got the wicket of Rishabh Pant for 10(9) pic.twitter.com/fOmTm3zKck
— Inside Out (@CricCoffee1) April 9, 2026
Bashed Unadkat in one game and suddenly we forgot how mediocre white ball player Rishabh Pant is. pic.twitter.com/I3mQhmxxwV
— Anurag™ (@Samsoncentral) April 9, 2026
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