Rishabh Pant Penalized ₹30 Lakh for Third SlowDown Over-Rate Offense in IPL 2025
In a major disciplinary action from the IPL 2025 season, Rishabh Pant, captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has been fined ₹30 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during Match 70 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The remaining members of the playing XI, including the Impact Player, have each received a ₹12 lakh fine or 50% of their match fee, whichever is lower.
This incident occurred during a high-stakes match that had significant implications for the playoff race. Unfortunately for LSG, not only did they lose the match by 6 wickets, but their skipper’s slow over-rate compounded the disappointment, highlighting what has been an erratic and underwhelming season for the franchise.
Why Was Pant Fined ₹30 Lakh?
According to the IPL Code of Conduct, teams are expected to complete their bowling quota within the stipulated time. Any delay that isn’t justified results in a penalty. For the second offence or more, the fine for the team captain increases significantly.
In this case, it was LSG’s second such violation of the season, triggering the ₹30 lakh penalty for Pant. The rest of the team, who also share responsibility, received financial penalties too. The league uses such measures to ensure discipline and smooth conduct of matches, especially with tight broadcasting schedules and fan expectations.
The IPL’s statement confirmed the breach and said the fine was in line with the league’s effort to maintain “professionalism, match pace, and viewer experience.”
What This Means:
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Rishabh Pant: ₹30 lakh fine; remains eligible to play.
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LSG Players: ₹12 lakh or 50% match fee fine each.
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Second offense: Any further breach could lead to Pant’s suspension.
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RCB: Nearly assured of a playoff berth with strong NRR.
Match Recap: LSG vs RCB – A Tale of Two Halves
Though the fine was significant, it came on the back of an otherwise entertaining match, albeit one that ended poorly for Lucknow.
Rishabh Pant was the star with the bat, scoring a breathtaking 118 runs in a knock that reminded fans of his explosive talent. With wickets falling around him, Pant carried the innings and pushed LSG to a competitive total.
However, RCB’s Jitesh Sharma stole the limelight in the second innings with a destructive 85 off just 33 balls, dismantling the LSG bowling attack with ease. Despite Pant’s century, LSG were unable to defend the total, and RCB chased it down with several balls to spare.
This result officially eliminated Lucknow from playoff contention while pushing RCB into the top two positions in the points table — a critical advantage heading into the playoffs.
What the Fine Means Going Forward
With this being Pant’s second over-rate offence, any further violation could lead to a one-match suspension, a blow LSG can ill afford if they were still in playoff contention.
But with their campaign now over, the focus shifts to how the team can regroup for next season. Pant, as captain, will face scrutiny not just for the over-rate issues but also for the team’s inconsistent performance throughout the tournament.
For RCB, the victory has further boosted their Net Run Rate (NRR), which could prove vital in final table rankings, especially if there’s a tie in points.
Official Statement from the IPL
“The Lucknow Super Giants were found guilty of maintaining a slow over-rate during Match 70 of the Tata IPL 2025 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As per the IPL Code of Conduct for minimum over-rate offences, captain Rishabh Pant has been fined ₹30 lakh. The rest of the playing XI, including the Impact Player, have each been fined ₹12 lakh or 50 percent of their match fee, whichever is lesser.”