NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant faced widespread criticism after using the F-word in his post-match interview following LSG's defeat to Rajasthan Royals on May 19 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Pant, called for the interview shortly after the loss, said, "We're a f***** good team," on live television, sparking backlash from all quarters.
Sunil Gavaskar comes to Pant's defense
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has backed Pant, arguing that broadcasters should allow captains more time to compose themselves after a defeat rather than interviewing them immediately. In his column for Mid-day, Gavaskar wrote, "Rishabh Pant dropping the 'F' word in his post-game interview does make one wonder whether it is necessary to interview the captain whose team has just lost the game barely minutes earlier. If it's been a last-over finish, then the disappointment for the captain would be even greater and if he is also the wicketkeeper who has been running up and down to the stumps every other delivery and that too in this heat, then it can add to his frustration."
Gavaskar's suggestions for broadcasters
Gavaskar proposed a simple solution: "It might be a better idea to speak to the 'player of the match' from the winning team and give the captain of the losing team a little time to splash some water on his face and regain his composure and then come over for an interview. As it is, there will be a bit of time for the presentation party to be ready, so giving the captain of the team that has lost, a few more minutes could well ensure that such things won't happen."
Pant and LSG's disappointing IPL 2026 campaign
Both Pant and LSG endured a poor outing in IPL 2026. LSG finished at the bottom of the points table with only four wins in 14 matches and 10 defeats. Pant also struggled with the bat, scoring just 312 runs in 14 matches. Gavaskar emphasized Pant's cheerful nature, stating, "Rishabh Pant is one of the most cheerful guys in the game who loves playing the sport in his own unique way. And the fact that even he lost it does make the case for the losing team's captain to be given a few more minutes to recover his thoughts rather than have the mic shoved in his face even before he has had time to get his breath back. Is that too much to ask?"
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