In the IPL 2026 match on May 4, Rishabh Pant, captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), struggled with the bat, scoring just 15 runs off 10 balls against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India. This disappointing performance came on a batting-friendly pitch, leading to significant backlash from fans on social media. With only 204 runs in nine matches this season and a retention price of INR 27 crore (approximately $3.25 million USD), many fans are questioning his place in the team. Criticism included comments about his declining form and suggestions that he should focus on Test cricket instead. In contrast, other LSG players, such as Nicholas Pooran, who scored 61 runs off 23 balls, and Mitchell Marsh, who added 44 runs off 25 balls, helped the team reach 206/5 after 17 overs. The match highlights the growing divide between Pant's performance and that of his teammates, raising concerns about his future in the IPL.