Rishabh Pant’s underwhelming performance in the ongoing IPL 2025 has sparked concern among cricketing legends, with questions mounting about the reasons behind his drastic dip in form. As captain of the Lucknow Super Giants, Pant has failed to make an impact with the bat, leading to increasing scrutiny from experts and fans alike.
In their most recent outing, Pant managed just 18 runs off 17 deliveries during LSG’s 37-run defeat against Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The 26-year-old, who was signed for a record-breaking INR 27 crore during the mega auction in Jeddah last year, has amassed only 128 runs across 11 innings. His strike rate has dipped to 99.22, marking his poorest season since his IPL debut in 2016.
Former India opener Virender Sehwag weighed in on Pant’s struggles during a broadcast appearance, recommending that he consult his long-time cricketing idol. “He should speak to MS Dhoni,” Sehwag suggested, pointing to the calming and tactical influence MS Dhoni has often had on young players. Sehwag also encouraged Pant to watch his earlier IPL performances and examine whether subtle changes in his routine could be behind the slump. Recalling a difficult patch from his own playing days, Sehwag noted, “Often minute changes in routine tends to affect run-scoring.”
South African legend Shaun Pollock, meanwhile, speculated whether the absence of Pant’s regular India teammates in the LSG setup might be contributing to the problem. He admitted to struggling to pin down a single theory for Pant’s downturn, but hinted that the team composition could be playing a role in the left-hander’s lack of rhythm.
As Pant continues to search for answers, his team faces increasing pressure to win and stay alive in the tournament—adding further weight to the captain’s personal battle with form.
