Lucknow, April 24, 2025 – Rishabh Pant, the record-breaking INR 27 crore acquisition and captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), faces mounting scrutiny over his poor batting form in IPL 2025.
Despite a stellar T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, Pant’s inability to replicate that success in T20s, coupled with tactical controversies, has fans and analysts questioning his leadership and batting prowess.
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Pant’s explosive batting in Test cricket, including iconic performances during India’s 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win, and his triple century in Ranji Trophy, cemented his reputation as a game-changer. In ODIs, he scored a maiden century of 125* against England in 2022.
However, his T20 record remains inconsistent. Since MS Dhoni’s retirement, Pant has received ample opportunities in T20Is but struggled to match his red-ball heroics, averaging just 22.43 in 76 T20Is with a strike rate of 126.37.
In IPL 2018, Pant shone with 684 runs at an average of 52.61 and a strike rate above 170, including an unbeaten 128* against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the then-highest individual score by an Indian in IPL history.
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Yet, his form dipped in subsequent seasons, and IPL 2025 has been particularly dismal, with only 86 runs in six matches, including scores of 0, 15, 2, 2, 21, and 63 off 49 balls against Chennai Super Kings. Social media posts reflect fan frustration, with some labeling him “the biggest fraud in IPL history” and criticizing his slow strike rate and dropped catches.
T20 World Cup Glory, Champions Trophy Snub
Pant’s 2024 T20 World Cup performance was a highlight, earning him a spot at No. 3 and a Player of the Match award for his unorthodox 36* off 26 balls against Pakistan, featuring a reverse ramp six.
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His 171 runs in the tournament, at a strike rate of 127.61, and sharp wicketkeeping were pivotal to India’s title win, with his tactical “fake injury” ploy disrupting South Africa’s chase in the final. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif praised Pant’s game management, noting its impact when South Africa needed 30 off 30.
However, Pant’s fortunes reversed in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Despite selection, he warmed the bench throughout, with Sanju Samson preferred as wicketkeeper. This snub, coupled with his IPL struggles, has raised questions about his T20 reliability.
IPL 2025: Captaincy and Controversy
Acquired by LSG for INR 27 crore, Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history. Named captain on January 21, 2025, he was expected to lead LSG to their maiden title. Yet, his batting has faltered, and his captaincy has drawn mixed reviews.
Aakash Chopra suggested an unspecified issue affecting Pant’s performance, noting his brief stays at the crease—often facing just 2-3 balls instead of batting at his preferred No. 3 or opener slot. LSG mentor Zaheer Khan defended Pant, urging patience, but fans remain vocal about his lack of impact.
Pant’s tactical acumen shone in a nail-biting two-run win over Rajasthan Royals, where he delayed the final over to disrupt RR’s rhythm, a move Kaif likened to his T20 World Cup final tactics. However, a similar “back pain” episode against Kolkata Knight Riders sparked accusations of faking injuries, drawing parallels to his World Cup ploy. These incidents have polarized opinions, with some praising his street-smart captaincy and others questioning his ethics.
Injury Concerns and Squad Challenges
Pant’s 2022 car crash sidelined him for 15 months, but his IPL 2024 return saw him score 446 runs at a strike rate of 158.56, silencing doubts about his fitness.
However, LSG’s injury woes in 2025, with pacers Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep nursing injuries, have strained the squad. Pant’s potential shift to opener or No. 3, where he averages 39.36 with a 169.14 strike rate, could address LSG’s lack of an established Indian opener, but his current form raises doubts.
Can Pant Bounce Back?
With LSG facing Mumbai Indians soon, Pant’s form remains critical. His history of clutch performances, like the 89* in Brisbane in 2021, suggests he thrives under pressure.
Working with coach Justin Langer and mentor Zaheer Khan, Pant has the support to rediscover his flair. Fans are divided—some see a comeback on the horizon, while others fear his T20 struggles may persist.
Will Pant silence his critics and lead LSG to glory? Share your thoughts below!