Rishabh Pant Responds to Batting Struggles After LSG's Defeat to Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant has urged critics to focus on the team’s collective performance instead of blaming individual players, following LSG’s third defeat in four matches in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. Pant's comments came after a disappointing 54-run loss to Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
Pant’s poor run with the bat continued as he scored only 4 runs off 2 balls while attempting a risky reverse sweep in a steep chase of 215. So far this season, he has managed just 110 runs in nine innings at an average of 12.22 and a strike rate of 98.21 — an alarming dip for one of India's most dynamic players. Despite trying different batting positions — opening, No. 4, and No. 7 — Pant has struggled to find any momentum.
Addressing his batting form after the game, Pant said, "I'm keeping things simple. In tough phases like this, it’s easy to start doubting yourself. But that’s not something I want to do. When the team isn’t performing well, you have to think about the bigger picture. Cricket is a team game — blaming one player isn’t the right approach."
Zaheer Khan Backs Rishabh Pant’s Leadership Amid Batting Woes
While Pant's form has raised concerns, LSG mentor Zaheer Khan came out strongly in support of his captain. "Rishabh has been outstanding as a leader," Zaheer said. "He’s doing all the right things off the field — ensuring good team communication and meticulous planning. As a batter, it’s just a matter of time before he clicks."
Zaheer stressed that leadership in the IPL is about more than just individual runs and that LSG remains committed to Pant’s long-term role. "When you are building a team to win championships, strong leadership is critical. We have full faith in Rishabh Pant’s ability to lead LSG into the future."
Experts Advise Pant to Play "Percentage Cricket" to Regain Form
Pant’s recent dismissals — mostly involving high-risk reverse sweeps and laps — have come under scrutiny. Former Indian cricketers Sanjay Bangar and Wasim Jaffer, speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut, believe Pant is trying too hard to force the issue.
"When he's at his best, Rishabh plays straight down the ground," Bangar noted. "This season, he’s lost his natural game, trying too many risky shots behind the stumps. He needs to simplify — play high-percentage shots and rebuild."
Wasim Jaffer agreed, adding, "Opposition teams have figured him out. They bowl wide outside off-stump, baiting him into mistakes. He needs to trust his basics more, focusing on traditional strokes rather than risky improvisations."
Heavy Price Tag Adding to Pressure?
The spotlight on Pant has only intensified after LSG secured him for a record-breaking INR 27 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Former India coach Anil Kumble believes this massive investment, combined with captaincy pressure, could be playing on Pant’s mind.
"There’s a lot happening for him — new team, new expectations, huge price tag," Kumble explained. "Sometimes when you try too hard to prove yourself, it backfires. Rishabh needs to relax, play his natural attacking game, and just focus on watching the ball. That’s when he’s at his most dangerous."
Kumble also noted the additional pressure of leading a relatively new franchise like LSG, who are still chasing their first IPL title. "Leadership in such a team adds another layer of responsibility. But Pant needs to block out the noise and back his instincts."
What's Next for Rishabh Pant and LSG?
Despite the rocky start, LSG's management has thrown its full support behind Rishabh Pant. They believe that one good innings could reignite both his personal form and the team's fortunes.
With the tournament still wide open, Lucknow Super Giants will be hoping their captain can bounce back soon and lead them deeper into IPL 2025.
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