NEW DELHI: Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has disagreed with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rishabh Pant's decision to open the innings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after the skipper’s brief outing at the top order against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday.
Pant promoted himself to the opening slot against Delhi Capitals, but his stay at the crease was cut short due to an unfortunate run-out at the non-striker’s end. The dismissal came after a drive from Mitchell Marsh ricocheted off the bowler’s hand and deflected onto the stumps.
According to Pietersen, Pant, who struggled for runs in the last season, has increased the pressure on himself after deciding to open the innings for the team. He believes that Pant should not force himself at the top and focus on enjoying the position that he bats in.
"When you look at the strength and depth of LSG's batting, is Rishabh Pant really an opening batter? I think he might have gone a little too far ahead of where he was in the line-up compared to last year. Last year, he moved down the order, and now suddenly it's, I'm going to come up to the top, " Pieterson told Jio Hotstar.