![\"\u2018Is](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-129973636,imgsize-151290,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/rishabh-pant.jpg\" "\\"Rishabh")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Former England captain Kevin Pietersen<\/a> has raised doubts over Rishabh Pant<\/a>\u2019s decision to promote himself to the top order, suggesting the Lucknow Super Giants skipper may have \u201cgone a little too far ahead\u201d in his batting position.Pant, who was run out for 7 off 9 balls in LSG\u2019s IPL 2026 opener against Delhi Capitals, later indicated he intends to bat in the top order this season. However, Pietersen believes the move could backfire. <\/p>\n Watch<\/span><\/p>\n Mukul Choudhary on LSG\u2019s game plan: backing partnerships & staying fearless<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u2018Too much pressure at the top\u2019<\/span>\u201cWhen you look at the strength and depth of LSG\u2019s batting, is Rishabh Pant really an opening batter?\u201d Pietersen said on JioHotstar\u2019s \u2018Google Search AI Mode Match Centre Live\u2019. \u201cI think he might have gone a little too far ahead of where he was in the line-up compared to last year.\u201dThe former England star pointed out that Pant had earlier dropped down the order but is now looking to move up again, a shift he feels may not be ideal. \u201cHe just needs to go out and enjoy his cricket,\u201d Pietersen added, warning that forcing himself into a top-three role could pile unnecessary pressure.\u201cDon\u2019t force yourself into batting at number three. Enjoy the luxury of that position. I think he puts himself under tremendous pressure by opening the batting,\u201d he said.Rizvi earns praise after match-winning knock<\/span>Pietersen also heaped praise on Delhi\u2019s young batter Sameer Rizvi, who turned the game with an unbeaten 70 after the Capitals were reduced to 26\/4 in a chase of 142.\u201cHe played the situation beautifully, and I\u2019m not surprised,\u201d Pietersen said, recalling his time mentoring the youngster. \u201cThis kid is a proper player, and we probably need to invest in him for a period of time.\u201d<\/p>\n Poll<\/p>\n Which aspect do you think is most important for an opener in T20 cricket?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n He emphasised the importance of backing young talent, adding, \u201cWhen you invest in a player, you need trust that he can pay you back, and he has done exactly that.\u201dAccording to Pietersen, Rizvi\u2019s match-winning effort under pressure in a season opener carries more weight than scoring freely in a high-scoring game, underlining his temperament and potential.Also See: SRH vs KKR Live Score<\/a><\/div>\n\n