Rishabh Pant Vows Strong Comeback for England Tour After IPL 2025 Disappointment
In a thrilling climax to the IPL 2025 league stage, Rishabh Pant lit up the stadium with a breathtaking 118-run knock off just 61 balls for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Despite his heroics, which included 11 fours and 8 sixes, LSG fell short as RCB clinched a playoff spot, thanks to a match-defining 107-run unbeaten partnership between Jitesh Sharma (85*) and Mayank Agarwal (41*).
Pant, who has faced a turbulent season with LSG, opened up about his plans to recharge for the highly anticipated England Test tour. Speaking at the post-match presentation, he said, ‘I just want to switch off for a few days, not think about cricket at all. Then, with the England series approaching, I’ll focus on preparing with a fresh and positive frame of mind.’ His intent to return stronger reflects his determination to lead India’s charge on foreign soil.
RCB’s victory was built on a solid foundation laid by Virat Kohli’s explosive 54 off 30 balls, followed by Jitesh Sharma’s composure under pressure. Jitesh, named Player of the Match, shared his awe at the performance, saying, ‘I can’t believe I played that knock! When Virat bhai got out, I just focused on taking it deep, as my mentor Dinesh Karthik always advises.’ His resilience shone through despite battling cramps, a testament to RCB’s fighting spirit as they head into the playoffs.
Reflecting on LSG’s campaign, Pant didn’t shy away from addressing the team’s struggles. ‘In T20 cricket, you need to play 40 overs of quality cricket. Just 20 overs won’t save you, and that’s been our story this season,’ he admitted. Injuries to key players like left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan, who missed the entire tournament, and young speedster Mayank Yadav, sidelined for most matches with a recurring back injury, severely hampered LSG’s prospects.
Pant’s century was a silver lining in an otherwise underwhelming season for the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman. ‘I felt good with every match, but sometimes it just doesn’t click. Today, I made sure to convert my start into a big score, learning from the best in the game,’ he explained. His approach was tactical yet aggressive, focusing on reading the field and targeting gaps with precision—qualities he hopes to carry into the England series.
As for RCB, Jitesh Sharma credited his senior teammates for their guidance. ‘Playing with legends like Virat bhai, Krunal bhai, and Bhuvi bhai is exciting. We’re looking to recover well and carry this momentum into the playoffs,’ he added with enthusiasm. RCB’s blend of experience and emerging talent makes them a formidable force as the IPL 2025 playoffs loom.
With Pant set to take a brief hiatus before turning his attention to the grueling five-Test series in England—a tour that promises challenging pitches and fierce competition—Indian fans will hope this break rejuvenates their star player. As Pant himself said, it’s about hitting the reset button and coming back stronger, a mantra that could define India’s campaign in the coming months.