Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) suffered a crushing 54-run defeat against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 45 of the IPL 2025 season at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (April 27).

Chasing 216 to win, LSG’s innings folded for 161 in 20 overs. It was a listless batting display as no one managed to cross the 40-run mark.

LSG skipper Rishabh Pant endured another failure as he was dismissed for just 4 off 2 balls. The southpaw has failed to do justice with his record price tag of Rs 27 crore in the ongoing IPL so far, managing only 110 runs from nine innings at an average of 12.22 and a strike-rate of 98.21.

However, LSG mentor Zaheer Khan feels it’s only a matter of time before Rishabh Pant rediscovers his batting form.

He also backed Pant’s leadership qualities and dismissed suggestions that the staggering price tag has added pressure on the wicketkeeper-batter.

"I wouldn't relate it to anything like that. He is a leader and he has been fantastic as a leader, that's something which I can vouch for," Zaheer said after the loss against MI.

"As a leader, he is ticking all the boxes. As a batter, the middle order is dependent on Rishabh and I am very confident that the impact which we want from him will come. It's just about something clicking," he added.

Zaheer sounded confident that Pant’s positive attitude would help him overcome the slump. "What happened in the last game is gone. He's very optimistic and positive. It's about continuing with that mindset," he stated.

Confirming Pant’s central role, the team mentor said, "We have identified Rishabh as that leader who is going to take this team forward. There's no doubt about that."

LSG now have five wins in 10 matches and need to win at least three of their remaining four league fixtures to stay alive in the playoffs race.

"It's about regrouping, rejuvenating, and finding that spark," Zaheer said, urging his team to avoid depending on net run rate to make the playoffs.

Lucknow Super Giants will next face Punjab Kings in Dharamsala on Sunday (March 4).