NEW DELHI: India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is navigating a challenging phase in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, following a stellar comeback in the previous season. After a life-threatening car crash, Pant made a remarkable return in IPL 2024, amassing over 400 runs and playing a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup victory. However, his form has since waned, resulting in his exclusion from India’s white-ball squads.
Following his success in IPL 2024, Pant opted to leave Delhi Capitals ahead of the mega auction and was subsequently acquired by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore. With the weight of high expectations and the added responsibility of captaincy, Pant’s struggles have become more pronounced. His last appearances for India in T20Is and ODIs were in July and August 2024, respectively, and he was omitted from India’s playing XI during the Champions Trophy, where KL Rahul was preferred as the wicketkeeper.
Now leading LSG in IPL 2025, Pant has struggled to make an impact with the bat, registering scores of 0, 15, and 2 in his first three matches. His inconsistent performances have intensified the pressure on his team, which has yet to find its rhythm this season.
Speaking on JioHotstar, former India cricketer Piyush Chawla dismissed the notion that the hefty price tag was affecting Pant’s game. “Knowing Rishabh Pant, I don’t think it’s the price tag that’s affecting him. However, he is currently not in the best of form. He has been out of the Indian white-ball circuit, and coming into this tournament as the captain of a franchise, there were high expectations of him. A lot happened last year, and naturally, a lot was expected from him this season,” Chawla remarked.
Pant’s prolonged dry spell is proving costly for LSG, and his inability to contribute significantly with the bat or behind the stumps has raised concerns. Yet, given his talent and proven ability to turn games around, a single strong innings could be the catalyst he desperately needs to reignite his form and lead his team to success.