"Haat Jod Kar Maangunga": R Ashwin Folds Hands, Sends Clear Message To Rishabh Pant On Batting Position

Rishabh Pant - the most expensive player in the history of the Indian Premier League - served up a surprise as he came out to open for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Delhi Capitals (DC) in their IPL 2026 clash on Wednesday. However, his decision didn't go to plan as he got run out on 7 runs off 9 balls. Despite the failure, legendary India spinner and Pant's former India and IPL teammate Ravichandran Ashwin urged the LSG skipper to continue opening for the rest of IPL 2026.

"It was very unfortunate the way Rishabh Pant got out, and even more unfortunate the way he talked after the match. He was asked whether he would open the innings, and he replied 50-50," Ashwin said, speaking on his Hindi channel 'Ash ki Baat'.

Ashwin sent a clear message to Pant:

"Haat jod kar maangunga, please har match mein opening karo (I'm asking you, with folded hands, please open in every match)."

"Justin Langer aur jo bhi team management me hai, Rishabh Pant ko bolna hai, 'Jaake powerplay me bindas khelo, pura 14 game aap hi khelo' (Justin Langer and the team management need to tell Rishabh Pant, 'Go and play with freedom in the powerplay for all 14 games)," Ashwin added.

"If Rishabh Pant capitalises in the powerplay, then he is a different batter. If he comes out to bat after the powerplay, then bowlers have their strategies to stop him," he further explained.

After the game against Pant, he expressed uncertainty over opening for the remainder of the season.

"I think it's a 50-50 call, but we'll see," he had said.

LSG crumbled to 141 all out in 18.4 overs against DC, a total which did not prove to be enough despite an inspired bowling performance by the side in the powerplay.

Topics mentioned in this article

Ravichandran Ashwin Rishabh Pant Justin Langer Lucknow Super Giants IPL 2026 Cricket