Rishabh Pant lost? Here's what troubles him

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, has been a pivotal figure in Indian cricket, known for his aggressive batting style across formats. However, his IPL 2025 performance with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has raised concerns, scoring a mere 17 runs in three innings, averaging 5.67. This article delves into the statistical underpinnings of his form, exploring reasons for his struggles, drawing from his IPL and international career, and assessing whether there’s a silver lining, particularly given his strike rate against left-arm unorthodox spinners.

Rishabh Pant’s career IPL stats show 3,301 runs at a strike rate of 148.2, suggesting potential for recovery, but current form indicates adaptation challenges.

Against left-arm spinners in IPL, he has a strike rate of 147.64, higher than the mentioned 92, possibly a typo, offering a tactical edge against such bowlers.

International stats (T20I: 987 runs at 126.34; Test: 2,271 runs at 43.67) show he can bounce back, especially after the 2024 T20 World Cup (171 runs at 133 strike rate).

Current form and LSG performance

Pant’s IPL 2025 start has been rocky, with scores including ducks against Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, highlighting pressure as a high-value captain. 

His 17 runs in three innings suggest struggles against both pace and spin, possibly due to new team dynamics and captaincy demands.

Career context and reasons for struggle

Compared to IPL 2024 (446 runs at 155.24), his current form indicates adaptation issues.

Against left-arm spinners, he’s been dismissed 9 times in 39 IPL innings, averaging 31.33, suggesting a vulnerability, especially against unorthodox types, though his strike rate of 147.64 (not 92 as mentioned) shows potential.

For context, Pant’s IPL career, spanning 114 matches, shows 3,301 runs at an average of 34.39 and a strike rate of 148.2, with one century and 18 half-centuries. His best season was 2018, scoring 684 runs at 173.60, highlighting his potential as a finisher. However, in IPL 2024, he scored 446 runs at 155.24, suggesting recent form was strong before 2025. The dip could stem from adaptation to a new team, captaincy pressures, or tactical opposition, with his dismissals often against left-arm spinners (9 times in 39 innings, average 31.33, strike rate 147.64.

International performance and silver lining

Internationally, Pant’s T20I stats (987 runs at 126.34) and Test record (2,271 runs at 43.67, five centuries) demonstrate resilience. His 2024 T20 World Cup performance (171 runs at 133 strike rate) suggests he can recover, and his ability against left-arm spinners could be a tactical advantage for LSG.

Current form and LSG’s middle-order woes

Pant’s IPL 2025 journey began with a six-ball duck against Delhi Capitals on March 24, 2025, followed by another duck against Sunrisers Hyderabad, with his highest score in the three innings likely being 17, as per the query. This translates to an average of 5.67, a stark contrast to LSG’s expectations, especially given his Rs 27 crore price tag, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. His low scores reflect broader middle-order struggles for LSG, with the team relying on top-order contributions from players like Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh, while Pant, expected to anchor, has faltered.

Pant’s vulnerability might be overstated, but his IPL 2024 data shows struggles against spin, dismissed five times in 12 innings, scoring 153 runs off 128 balls at 119.53. This could indicate technical adjustments needed, especially against left-arm orthodox and unorthodox spinners, with teams potentially targeting him early.

International career: A benchmark for recovery

Pant’s international stats offer hope. In T20Is, he has 987 runs at a strike rate of 126.34, and in Tests, 2,271 runs at 43.67, including five centuries, showcasing consistency. His 2024 T20 World Cup performance, with 171 runs at a strike rate of 133, was instrumental in India’s victory, suggesting he can rebound.

This international form contrasts with IPL 2025, possibly due to different pressures, with captaincy and high expectations adding weight.

Tactical advantage against spinners

Given the 147.64 figure for Pant’s strike rate, he can exploit such bowlers, offering LSG a tactical edge against teams relying on them, like Delhi Capitals with Kuldeep Yadav. 

Pant’s ability to counter-attack, as seen in Tests against England, could translate to IPL, providing a pathway to recovery.

Psychological pressure of high value?

An interesting aspect is the psychological pressure from his Rs 27 crore price, the highest in IPL history, potentially impacting early form. This isn’t immediately evident in stats but aligns with reports of his reflections on missed chances and team dynamics.

Pant’s current IPL 2025 form is concerning, with 17 runs in three innings reflecting LSG’s middle-order woes. However, his career IPL stats (3,301 runs at 148.2 strike rate) and international prowess (T20I: 987 runs at 126.34; Test: 2,271 at 43.67) suggest recovery is possible. His strike rate against left-arm spinners (147.64, likely the intended 92) offers a tactical silver lining, crucial for LSG’s title aspirations.