Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, has recently found himself under scrutiny following a string of performances that haven't quite lived up to the high expectations set for him. After a slow start, a legend hinted at a potential "stupid" rant brewing, with many speculating about the pressure mounting on the young player.
Pant's journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Bursting onto the scene with explosive performances in the U-19 World Cup and domestic cricket, he quickly became a sensation. His fearless approach and ability to change the game with his aggressive strokeplay made him a fan favorite and a crucial asset to any team he represents. In the 2018 IPL season, playing for Delhi Capitals, Pant amassed 684 runs at an impressive average of 52.61 and a staggering strike rate of over 170, including a highest score of 128*. This cemented his reputation as a game-changer in the shortest format.
However, the recent IPL 2025 season painted a different picture. Signed by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a whopping ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history, Pant struggled to find consistency. In 11 innings, he managed to score only 128 runs, averaging a meager 12.8 with a disappointing strike rate of 99.22. This included six single-digit scores, a far cry from the explosive starts and match-winning innings fans have come to expect.
The pressure of the hefty price tag seemed to weigh heavily on Pant, affecting his natural game. Former cricketers and analysts voiced their opinions, with some suggesting that he was being too stubborn in his approach. Ambati Rayudu, speaking on ESPNcricinfo's Time Out, expressed sympathy for Pant, noting his unwavering approach despite the lack of favorable results.
In a post-match interview, Pant defended his form, stating that he was trying to keep things simple and avoid overthinking. He emphasized the importance of not questioning oneself during a lean patch and highlighted the team's collective effort over individual performances. "In a season like this, where things are not going your way, you're going to start questioning yourself as a player – that's not something you want to do," Pant said. He further added, "Every time you single out an individual, it's not the right thing to do, I guess."
Despite the criticism, there's no denying Pant's potential and past achievements. He holds the record for being the fastest Asian wicketkeeper-batter to reach 3000 Test runs, surpassing legends like MS Dhoni and Kumar Sangakkara. His aggressive batting style and ability to counter-attack have made him a valuable asset in Test cricket, particularly in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia).
Looking ahead, Pant has the opportunity to silence his critics and regain his form. His recent score of 65* at the close of play hints at a return to form, showcasing his ability to put pressure on the opposition. As he continues to mature as a player and leader, Pant will need to strike a balance between his natural aggressive instincts and a more calculated approach to his innings. With the backing of his team and the unwavering support of his fans, Rishabh Pant has the potential to once again become the game-changing force he is known to be.
