Sunil Gavaskar Defends Rishabh Pant After Emotional Outburst Post IPL Defeat

After a disappointing defeat in IPL 2026, Rishabh Pant's emotional outburst during a live interview has sparked debate. Sunil Gavaskar defends Pant, suggesting that the timing of post-match interviews should be reconsidered. Gavaskar emphasizes the need for captains to have a moment to collect themselves before facing the media, especially after a tough loss. As scrutiny around Pant's captaincy grows, the discussion highlights the pressures faced by players in high-stakes situations. This article delves into Gavaskar's insights and the implications for Pant's future with the Lucknow Super Giants.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2026, 13:44 IST

Gavaskar Stands Up for Pant's Reaction

Sunil Gavaskar, the former captain of India and a renowned commentator, has come to the defense of Rishabh Pant, the captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), following his emotional outburst after the team's loss to Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.

Pant expressed visible frustration as LSG was eliminated from playoff contention, suffering a heavy seven-wicket defeat that left them at the bottom of the standings. During a live interview, he struggled to control his emotions and inadvertently used profanity.

He stated, "The kind of team we have, we know we can win this. Regardless of anything, we are confident enough as a team and as individuals. It hasn't gone our way, and everyone knows that. But that doesn't take away the fact that we are a f***ing good team."

Pressure Mounts on Pant

This defeat coincided with Pant's removal from the Test vice-captaincy and ODI squad for the upcoming series against Afghanistan, intensifying scrutiny regarding his future with the national team and as captain of LSG.

Gavaskar Critiques Interview Timing

The incident sparked widespread discussion on social media, particularly after Ian Bishop, the interviewer, apologized for Pant's language. Gavaskar shifted the focus from Pant to the broadcasting protocols, suggesting that interviewing captains immediately after a loss may not be appropriate.

In his column, Gavaskar argued that the emotional state and exhaustion of a captain right after a defeat could lead to such outbursts. He proposed that it might be better to interview the 'player of the match' from the winning team first, allowing the losing captain some time to regain composure.

Need for a Change in Protocol

Gavaskar emphasized that allowing a brief pause for the losing captain could prevent similar incidents in the future, especially in high-pressure situations like IPL matches.

He noted that in international cricket, there is typically a 10 to 15-minute break before the post-match presentation, which could be beneficial in the IPL as well.

Gavaskar on Pant's Character

Further commenting on Pant's outburst, Gavaskar remarked that Pant is usually one of the most cheerful players in cricket, and the pressures of the IPL seem to have affected his typically vibrant personality.

He concluded by questioning whether it is too much to ask for a moment of recovery for captains before they face the media.

Ongoing Scrutiny of Pant's Captaincy

Rishabh Pant's captaincy has come under increasing scrutiny as LSG has failed to qualify for the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. Despite being acquired for INR 27 crore during the 2024 mega auction, he has struggled to deliver consistent performances, leading to speculation about a potential overhaul of the team ahead of the next season.