Bhaiya chuna theek hai ya aur lagau?: Rishabh Pant's flop show sparks meme fest
Lucknow: Rishabh Pant became the center of a meme storm after another underwhelming performance in IPL 2025. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain managed only 2 runs off 5 balls against Punjab Kings (PBKS), leading to intense trolling on social media. Fans took to Twitter and Instagram, flooding timelines with memes mocking his struggles, with one viral joke comparing his batting to a failed wall painting job: "Bhaiya, chuna theek hai ya aur lagau?"
Pant, the most expensive player in IPL history at ₹27 crore, has had a rough start to the season, scoring just 17 runs in three matches. His failure to perform under pressure has not only raised questions about his batting but also his leadership as LSG captain.
Adding to the internet frenzy, old comments from Pant resurfaced where he had expressed relief at being picked by LSG instead of Punjab Kings. Now, with his form declining, fans are using those statements against him, amplifying the online trolling.
Meanwhile, on the field, LSG struggled after opting to bat first. Their innings crumbled early, and despite a 172-run total, PBKS chased it down with ease, securing an 8-wicket win. Prabhsimran Singh (69) and Shreyas Iyer (52*) led the charge for Punjab, leaving LSG with much to reconsider before their next game.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
