Lucknow Super Giants mentor Zaheer Khan has refused to change Rishabh Pant’s batting order despite the captain’s four failures in the Indian Premier League. Pant has been the worst LSG batter so far and his low scores with the bat have impacted the franchise. Although Lucknow have managed to win two matches without the southpaw’s contributions, they have tasted two defeats as well.

Pant became the most expensive player in the tournament history when LSG invested INR 27 crore in his services but the outcomes have been ordinary. He is batting at the No.4 slot and has amassed 0, 15, 2 and 2.

Zaheer backed the leader to come good in the remaining matches. “I have heard stories where people are saying that we should open with Rishabh Pant. Let me tell you, his batting order will not change and he will continue to bat at the same spot.

“The decisions are for the seasons, and they are taken before the start of the tournament. All the credit for success goes to Rishabh Pant, as he has created an environment where players are enjoying each other’s success.

“He is leading the team well. I am waiting for the day to see how other teams prepare against us when Pant will start scoring runs,” Zaheer Khan said.