New Delhi: Absence of partnerships at the top of their batting order has defined the Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants’ troubles this season, feels former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu.

LSG have lost three of their first five matches in IPL 2026 to be rooted at seventh spot in the standings, and got comprehensively beaten by defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Wednesday.

They have a formidable batting line-up comprosing Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Pant and Nicholas Pooran but we were bowled out for 146, the lowest score of this edition gor a team batting first.

Pant himself has not fired as he would have hoped after helping them to their first victory earlier in the tournament through an unbeaten 68 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Sidhu said Pant has been his own enemy as he has thrown his wicket away instead of making the bowlers earn it, pointing out that he has to make himself set on he crease before attempting big shots.

“There is a lot of soul searching that needs to be done. Their problems have persisted, especially with the top order not firing. They have been heavily dependent on their top three, but the returns haven’t come,” he told Star Sports.

“When you look at players like Markram, Pooran, Marsh and Rishabh Pant, there is immense potential, but the partnerships are missing.

“Even a 50-run stand at the top has been rare. I don’t think bowlers are getting Rishabh out; more often, he is getting himself out. He has the talent and ability, and if he gives himself time, he can turn it around. At the moment, both, their batting and bowling, seem to be struggling,” Sidhu added.

Pant was dismissed for one after getting injured on the arm and was dismissed for one run in a five-wicket defeat to RCB on Wednesday.

The left hand batter was retained by LSG after buying him for Rs 27 crore last year but has only made 104 runs in five matches at an average of 26.00 and a strike rate of 122.35.

His form is in stark contrast to RCB’s Virat Kohli, who against contributed in RCB’s win as he anchored the home team’s chase, continuing his good run of form.

Praise for Kohli

Sidhu praised Kohli’s hunger for runs even after playing top-tier cricket for nearly 20 years.

“Virat Kohli at even 20% is better than most at 100%. That’s the kind of impact and influence he brings. Despite not being at his best physically, he followed up his previous fifty with another commanding performance,” the former opener said.

“The way he dominated Mohammed Shami stood out, on his toes, driving over cover, playing fluent pulls and cuts. The time he has to execute those strokes, even after 18–19 years at the top level, shows why he remains indispensable to the IPL.”