IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant Faces His Former Team as DC Host Injury-Hit LSG in Vizag Clash

When Rishabh Pant steps onto the field in Vizag this Monday, it won’t be just another IPL game for him — it’s a return to familiar territory, facing the very team where his cricketing journey began.

From debuting in Delhi Capitals (DC) colors back in 2016 to becoming the most expensive player in IPL history with a ₹27 crore price tag by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2024, Pant’s story has come full circle — and Monday night promises drama, nostalgia, and fierce competition.

Pant vs DC: A Personal Rivalry

For eight long seasons, Pant was the heart of DC’s batting order, and often, their captain. Now, leading LSG, he’s on the other side — and he knows DC’s strengths, weaknesses, and mentality inside out. That familiarity could prove decisive, especially with LSG struggling with injuries to key players.

In a twist of fate, KL Rahul, LSG’s former captain, has now joined DC and could be just as valuable in offering insights into the Super Giants’ dressing room. This unique player swap adds extra spice to what is already a high-stakes encounter for both teams, who are eager to bounce back after inconsistent starts to their IPL 2025 campaigns.

Injury Headaches for Lucknow

Lucknow’s task won’t be easy. They’re walking wounded ahead of this clash.

Mohsin Khan: Ruled out with an ACL tear from the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Mayank Yadav: Struggling with a toe injury after recovering from a back issue.
Avesh Khan & Akash Deep: Both sidelined with knee and back injuries respectively.

These injuries have forced LSG’s hand — they’ve brought in Shardul Thakur, who was a surprise omission at the auction despite a strong domestic season. There’s also talk of roping in Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed as a backup.

Head coach Justin Langer is trying to stay optimistic:

“Fast bowling always brings challenges. Injuries are part of the game, but we have to adapt. The season is long, and we hope to have our main bowlers back soon,” Langer said.

LSG may need to rethink their entire bowling strategy, especially given Vizag’s flat pitch and DC’s power-hitters.

A New Era for Delhi Capitals

While LSG deals with injuries, DC is entering a fresh chapter with Axar Patel as captain. Known for his calm demeanor, Axar is embracing leadership with a focus on simplicity and teamwork.

“I’ve told the boys to keep things simple. T20 cricket has evolved — it’s a batter’s game, but we need to play smart, adapt, and back ourselves,” Axar shared ahead of the match.

Axar’s been with DC since 2019 and brings consistency and calm leadership, something DC hopes will translate into wins.

Recent Head-to-Head: DC Hold the Edge

Historically, LSG won their first three games against DC, but the tide has turned with DC winning the last two encounters. Given LSG’s depleted bowling lineup and DC’s home advantage in Vizag, momentum seems to favor Axar’s side.

What to Watch Out For: Key Battles

Pant vs DC Spinners: He knows them well; they know his weaknesses. Who blinks first?
Shardul Thakur’s Impact: Can he step up for LSG under pressure?
Axar’s Captaincy Moves: Will his strategy to “keep it simple” work in crunch moments?