During LSG’s crucial fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, Pant was dismissed for a mere seven runs off six deliveries, falling victim to a brilliantly disguised slower yorker from young pacer Eshan Malinga

Attempting to work the delivery, Pant only succeeded in mistiming it. The ball looped tamely into the air, and Malinga, displaying exceptional athleticism in his follow-through, dived to his left and completed a sharp low catch. The dismissal left LSG reeling at 124/2 just when they had been cruising

Pant, who was acquired by LSG for a staggering Rs 27 crore in last year’s mega auction, has failed to live up to expectations. So far, the left-handed batter has amassed only 135 runs from 13 matches at a paltry average of 12.27, making him the weakest link in the team’s otherwise power-packed batting unit

Sensing an opportunity to cash in on the explosive start, Pant promoted himself to the No. 3 position. However, his attempt to find form under pressure backfired yet again. With the stage perfectly set for him to anchor the innings and accelerate, Pant’s inability to deliver was glaring

The timing of his dismissal could not have been worse for LSG, who are in a must-win situation to stay alive in the playoff race. With the openers laying a solid foundation, Pant’s failure added pressure on the middle order