Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant revealed the reason why he decided to move lower down the batting order and allow Abdul Samad to capitalize on the solid start by the top order. He also wanted to avoid slowing down his team, given his lean run of form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Pant has not been his usual self in this edition of the tournament with just 106 runs from nine matches at a strike rate of only 96.36.
Usually batting at number four, Pant did not come out to bat until the 20th over against Delhi Capitals, coming in at number six. The home fans were only treated to two deliveries as the left-handed batter was castled for zero on the final ball of the first innings.
Samad walked in to bat in the 12th over when Lucknow were in a solid position at 99/2. However, the move did not work as Samad departed after being caught and bowled by Kumar.