The pressure is mounting on Rishabh Pant and Ajinkya Rahane as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) prepare to face each other in the IPL. The adage that a captain is only as good as his team rings true for both, with their leadership under scrutiny as their teams struggle.
Rahane’s Leadership Under the Microscope
KKR’s decision to stick with Rahane as captain after a disappointing IPL 2025 season was questioned from the start. These concerns have only grown as the team’s results have failed to improve.
It took KKR seven matches to secure their first win, a victory attributed to individual brilliance from Rinku Singh. Rahane has demonstrated a transformative approach with positive intent, including a 67 off 40 against the Mumbai Indians and a brisk 41 off 24 against LSG.
However, these starts have not consistently translated into significant contributions. At nearly 38, his suitability as a long-term T20 leader is increasingly debated.
Rahane’s challenges have been compounded by a depleted pace attack and a quiet start from Varun Chakravarthy. Along with head coach Abhishek Nayar, Rahane has faced criticism regarding team selection and resource utilisation.
Rachin Ravindra remains on the bench, while Finn Allen and Tim Seifert have seen inconsistent playing time. Rahane’s decisions at the toss have also been called into question, such as choosing to bat on a two-paced surface against the Gujarat Titans, leading to a collapse to 32/3. A similar decision against the Punjab Kings resulted in them reeling at 25/2 before rain intervened.
Despite adopting a more aggressive batting approach, Rahane’s decision-making has lacked conviction. His recent form reflects this disconnect, including consecutive ducks, the latest of which came against the Rajasthan Royals. He fell to an expansive stroke, leaving KKR in trouble before Rinku’s unbeaten 53 salvaged the chase.
LSG’s Struggles and Pant’s Form
LSG’s campaign has also faltered. Placed ninth with just two wins, the Pant-led side is also facing a potential early exit, worsened by four straight defeats and questionable decisions from their captain. Pant’s struggles have been particularly evident.
Since an unbeaten 67 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he has only managed 72 runs in five innings, including a three-ball duck against Rajasthan Royals. Chasing 160 on a challenging pitch in Lucknow, Pant walked in after an early run-out and resp
The Improbable Task Ahead
KKR may carry some momentum into the Ekana Stadium, but with just three points, they now need at least six wins from their remaining seven matches. This seems an improbable task.