Sanjiv Goenka, owner of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), had a succinct yet powerful reaction to Rishabh Pant's explosive century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their IPL 2025 match. Pant’s innings, a blistering 118 off 61 balls, marked a significant turnaround after a rather underwhelming season, and Goenka's response, captured in a single word on social media, perfectly encapsulated the sentiment: "Pant'astic!"
Pant's century was not just a personal milestone, his first in the IPL after six years, but also a statement to his critics. Coming into the match, his form had been patchy, with only one score above fifty and a string of low scores that raised questions about his hefty price tag. Cameras had frequently caught Goenka's visible disappointment in the stands after Pant's dismissals, adding to the narrative of underlying tension between the captain and the franchise owner. Visuals of what appeared to be animated discussions between the two after a loss earlier in the season had also gone viral, fueling speculation about their relationship.
However, all that was seemingly forgotten as Pant unleashed a spectacular display of power hitting at the Ekana Stadium. His innings, studded with eight sixes and 11 boundaries, not only propelled LSG to a formidable total but also served as a stark reminder of his capabilities. This was vintage Pant – the daring, fearless, and destructive batsman who can single-handedly change the course of a match.
Goenka's "Pant'astic!" tweet, accompanied by photos of Pant's celebratory backflip, quickly went viral, reflecting the collective relief and excitement of LSG fans. It was a far cry from the earlier images of frustration and disappointment, signaling a possible reset in the relationship between owner and captain. The message also served as acknowledgement of Pant's resilience.
Beyond the immediate context of the IPL match, Pant's return to form holds significant implications for Indian cricket. He has recently been appointed as the vice-captain of the Indian Test team for the upcoming World Test Championship cycle. With senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin having retired, the responsibility of leading the team now rests on the shoulders of a new generation, with Shubman Gill at the helm and Pant as his deputy. Pant’s century will undoubtedly boost his confidence ahead of the challenging tour of England, where India will begin their WTC campaign with a five-match Test series.
