đ A Season of Slumps: Rishabh Pant’s Form Raises Alarms
Rishabh Pant’s 2025 IPL season has been far from what fans or the Lucknow Super Giants hoped for. Bought at a record-breaking âč27 crore, Rishabh Pant was expected to lead LSG’s charge to the playoffs. Instead, his repeated failures with the bat have become one of the biggest talking points of the season.
So far, Rishabh Pant has managed just 128 runs in 11 innings, averaging only 12.8 with a below-par strike rate of 99.22. Except for a lone 63-run knock, his season has been filled with soft dismissals, misjudged shots, and growing criticism.
đ€Ż The Bat Flew, So Did the Wicket: A Bizarre Dismissal
In a recent match against Punjab Kings, Rishabh Pant found himself at the center of a bizarre moment. Attempting an aggressive lofted shot, he not only lost his wicket but also lost grip of his bat — which flew dramatically toward square leg. He scored 18 runs off 17 balls, and his team soon collapsed to 58 for four.
It was another symbol of the uncharacteristic and inconsistent performances from Rishabh Pant this season. Moments like these have made him a trending topic, albeit for the wrong reasons.
đŹ Sanjiv Goenka’s Reactions Say It All
LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka’s disappointment has become increasingly evident. Cameras caught his visibly frustrated reactions after Rishabh Pant’s dismissals — including a sarcastic smirk during a previous two-ball duck — which went viral on social media.
The disconnect between the franchise’s massive investment and Rishabh Pant’s output is creating a growing sense of urgency within the team camp. With each match, the pressure on Rishabh Pant to deliver multiplies.
đ§ Experts Advise: Time to Call Dhoni?
Former legends have now stepped in with advice. Some suggest Rishabh Pant should revisit his successful past — literally. They recommend watching his old match videos, remembering his routines, and even reaching out to MS Dhoni for mentorship.
Rishabh Pant, once considered Dhoni’s natural successor, now finds himself in a form crisis that could redefine his career trajectory if not handled wisely.
đ§ą Leadership Decisions Under Scrutiny
Questions are now being raised not just about Rishabh Pant’s batting, but also his decisions as a captain. In a crucial match, he dropped himself down the order to number seven — an unusual move for someone trying to find form. Critics saw it as a sign of low confidence and a lack of assertiveness.
Rishabh Pant needs to take charge not only with the bat but also as a leader, something he’s done in the past with flair and aggression.
âł The Road Ahead: Bounce Back or Breakdown?
With LSG’s playoff hopes fading, all eyes remain on Rishabh Pant. Can he silence the critics, recapture his explosive style, and justify the massive faith shown in him?
The next few matches are make-or-break for Rishabh Pant. His fans are hopeful. His team is waiting. And Indian cricket knows that a fully-firing Rishabh Pant is always a game-changer.