Rishabh Pant, the dynamic and usually reliable anchor of the Indian cricket team, has found the going tough in the initial stages of the IPL 2025 season with the Lucknow Super Giants. The task of leading the team and consolidating the middle order has evidently weighed heavily on the shoulders of the talented wicketkeeper-batter.
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Purchased for a staggering Rs 27 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Pant became the tournament’s most expensive player ever. However, his performances thus far have not lived up to the expectations set by his hefty price tag. In his first three matches, Pant has only managed to score a total of 15 runs, averaging a mere 7.50.
His campaign kicked off with a disappointing duck against the Delhi Capitals, followed by a laborious 15 against the SunRisers Hyderabad. In his most recent encounter with the Punjab Kings, Pant could only muster two runs before being dismissed, further intensifying the scrutiny on his form.
The lack of significant contributions from Pant has placed additional pressure on the Lucknow Super Giants, who had banked on him to be their linchpin. The franchise’s substantial investment in him has led to a wave of criticism and trolling on social media platforms, with fans and cricket analysts alike questioning whether he can regain his form and effectively lead his team.
In the latest match against Punjab Kings, the visitors won the toss and opted to bowl first. Lucknow Super Giants, led by Pant, fielded an unchanged lineup. Speaking at the toss, Pant expressed his team’s intent to give their best despite the challenging start to the season. ‘We wanted to bowl first but there are things which are not under our control so happy to bat first. There are a lot of people who have come to support us, we are definitely going to give our best. No changes for us,’ he stated.
As the IPL 2025 progresses, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant to see if he can turn his fortunes around and justify the faith and the record-breaking investment placed in him by the Lucknow Super Giants.