Sunil Gavaskar Defends Rishabh Pant After Live TV F-Word During IPL 2026 Interview

Sunil Gavaskar backed Rishabh Pant after the LSG captain accidentally used the F-word on live TV, blaming the immediate post-match interview format for the emotional outburst.

Former India captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has defended Rishabh Pant after the Lucknow Super Giants skipper used the F-word during a live post-match interview following LSG’s defeat to Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 on May 20.

Pant’s emotional reaction came moments after another disappointing loss in a difficult season for the Lucknow franchise. Gavaskar believes the broadcasters should rethink the practice of interviewing losing captains immediately after games, especially in emotionally draining contests.

LSG finished at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table, ending their campaign in 10th place. Pant entered the season under immense pressure after being signed for a record-breaking fee, and the team once again failed to qualify for the playoffs under his leadership.

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The wicketkeeper-batter also endured a difficult batting season, while frequently handling post-match interviews after defeats throughout the tournament.

Gavaskar Questions Immediate Post-Match Interviews

Writing in his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar explained why emotions can often spill over in high-pressure situations moments after a loss.

“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,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day.

The former India opener further pointed out how exhausting conditions and last-over defeats can increase frustration levels for captains, particularly wicketkeepers like Pant who remain involved in every delivery.

“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,” he said.

Gavaskar Suggests Better Approach For Broadcasters

Gavaskar suggested that broadcasters should allow captains more time to cool down and gather themselves before placing microphones in front of them. He also hinted that interviewing the Player of the Match first could be a more sensible option.

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The cricket legend praised Pant’s personality and cheerful nature, saying the incident was more about emotional exhaustion than misconduct.

“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?” Gavaskar questioned.