In match 61 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Ekana Stadium, skipper Rishabh Pant’s disappointing outing with the bat ignited a dramatic moment off the field. Pant was dismissed for just 7 runs, marking another low score in his forgettable season. His departure in the 12th over was followed by LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka visibly storming out of his seat and heading into the dressing room.

Rishabh Pant falls to Eshan Malinga’s brilliance amid a poor run of form in IPL 2025

Pant’s dismissal came on last ball of the 12th over, at a crucial stage of the match when SRH bowler Eshan Malinga bowled a slower yorker targeting leg stump. Pant leaned forward in defense but ended up chipping the ball back towards the bowler. Malinga reacted brilliantly, diving to his left in his follow-through to take a sharp return catch. It was a stunning display of athleticism that handed SRH a timely breakthrough. The LSG captain, already under fire for his inconsistent performances, trudged back with his head down. This was his seventh single-digit score in eleven innings, further intensifying scrutiny over his INR 27 crore acquisition. Pant’s underwhelming strike rate and inability to anchor the innings have significantly hurt LSG’s campaign. With playoff hopes on thin ice, his form remains a major concern.

Here’s the video:

Magnificent Malinga! 🪽😮

Athleticism on display from Eshan Malinga as he grabs a stunner to send back Rishabh Pant! 👌#LSG 133/2 after 13 overs.

Updates ▶ https://t.co/GNnZh90u7T#TATAIPL | #LSGvSRH | @SunRisers pic.twitter.com/5rSouA8Kw0

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 19, 2025

Another single digit score for RP#cricket #rishabhpant #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/NP6RFUAG1L

— Aman (@Amanriz78249871) May 19, 2025

Also READ: Fans lose patience as Rishabh Pant delivers another low score in IPL 2025 during LSG vs SRH clash

Pant’s early exit triggers LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka’s visible frustration

Moments after Pant’s wicket, cameras caught Sanjiv Goenka leaving the VIP box and heading straight towards the team’s dressing room, his face betraying clear disappointment. The LSG owner’s reaction quickly became a talking point, with many interpreting it as a sign of growing unrest within the camp. Goenka’s visible frustration mirrored the tension surrounding LSG’s season, where high expectations haven’t matched on-field results. With Pant being the franchise’s costliest signing, the stakes are even higher. His lack of form, leadership struggles, and inability to deliver under pressure have drawn criticism. The viral video of Goenka’s walk-off symbolized the discontent boiling beneath the surface. While reactions varied, it was a moment that showcased the franchise’s urgency to find answers. The optics also raised concerns over internal harmony as the league stage nears its end.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Here’s why Travis Head is not playing in today’s LSG vs SRH match