IPL 2025: INR 27 cr pick Rishabh Pant proving to be a bid gone wrong for LSG?

IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant has scored just 17 runs in three games so far. How is his poor form impacting LSG’s chances this season?

When the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) picked up Rishabh Pant for a whopping ₹27 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, it caused a stir in the cricketing world. Being the costliest player in the history of the tournament, hopes were high. LSG’s move to splurge on Pant was motivated by his image as a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, an attacking game-changer, and a tested leader. But as the season goes on, there have been whispers of unhappiness—has the high price become a drag on the franchise?

Underwhelming performance so far
Despite the enormous hype, Pant’s performance in IPL 2025 has been wanting. While he was supposed to be the key man in LSG’s batting lineup, his inability to get into form and be consistent has questioned his price tag. Thus far, he has not been able to deliver the sort of match-winning performances that made him a prized player in earlier seasons. In the three matches Rishabh Pant has played for LSG so far, he has managed to score only 17 runs, averaging just 5.66 with the bat.

In high-pressure games, Pant has failed, succumbing to impulsive shot choices or being unable to steady the innings when required. Against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he misjudged a shot when he could have finished the game, leading to his early dismissal (15). Similarly, against Delhi Capitals (DC), he had the opportunity to steer LSG to victory but got out early (0), leaving the lower order exposed. His fall in crucial situations has compounded the team’s troubles, and critics have questioned whether the pressure of a record-breaking auction fee and captaincy has influenced his natural game.

LSG’s unpredictable performance in IPL 2025
Pant’s lackluster performance has reflected LSG’s unpredictability in the competition. Although the team has produced moments of brilliance, their overall performance has been characterised by wavering form and a failure to finish matches. The middle order that was expected to be strengthened by Pant’s arrival has frequently been left vulnerable because of his premature dismissals.

Further, handing over the captaincy to Pant was intended to bring new vigour to the leadership of LSG. Yet, his choice of bowling changes and adjustments in the batting order have been in question. Although he has demonstrated some strategic intellect, there have been times when his strategies have backfired, and LSG have lost vital points in the league table.

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Nicholas Pooran’s contribution sparks questions
The most widely discussed decision of the season so far has been Pant’s decision to forgo his regular number three batting slot for Nicholas Pooran. Although the decision was made with a view of deploying Pooran’s power-hitting talent, it also required Pant to adapt to a different role in the order.

Here is the look at Rishabh Pant’s batting order wise numbers

While Rishabh Pant’s numbers at No. 3 may look promising, his real stability comes at No. 4, where he has played the majority of his IPL matches. On the other hand, Nicholas Pooran had an outstanding 2024 in T20 cricket, scoring over 1,200 runs at a strike rate of 163+ across competitions.

And, Pooran has thrived in this role, producing some match-defining performances, such as a stunning knock (70 off 26) against Sunrisers Hyderabad that gave LSG a much-needed victory.

Rishabh Pant’s output as per captaincy and non-captaincy

The numbers clearly show that Rishabh Pant performs significantly better as a player than as a captain in the IPL. When playing without the added responsibility of leadership, his natural flair and aggressive style come to the forefront.

As a batter, Pant boasts an impressive strike rate of 151.97, reflecting his ability to take on bowlers and accelerate the innings with ease. However, when captaining a side, there appears to be a dip in his overall impact — possibly due to the added pressure of decision-making and team management, which may affect his freedom at the crease.

This contrast highlights that while Pant remains a valuable asset with the bat, his best performances tend to come when he can focus solely on his role as a player.

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Is the price tag justifiable?
A ₹27 crore investment in a player is not merely about their batting skills—it’s about the overall contribution they make to the team. Though Rishabh Pant‘s leadership qualities and experience cannot be denied, his price tag demands more than a couple of strategic decisions. LSG wanted him to be a consistent match-winner, a task he has failed to achieve so far.

One of the key concerns is his batting approach. Pant has always had the mentality to take on bowlers with aggressive shots, but this strategy has not worked for him or LSG. His tendency to play rash strokes has led to frequent dismissals, preventing him from anchoring the innings when needed. Meanwhile, top-order batters like Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh have been scoring runs, but when Pant comes in at number four, he should be the one holding the lower order together and guiding the team to victory. His inability to do so has left LSG exposed in crucial chases and middle-over collapses.

The franchise’s gamble on him was based on his reputation as a fearless cricketer who thrives under pressure. However, with each disappointing performance, the whispers grow louder—is this a costly error? Would LSG have been wiser to spread their money among a few tried and tested performers instead of betting the farm on one man?

Can Pant turn it around?
The IPL is a long season, and things can turn around suddenly. Pant has shown himself to be resilient, and if there is one thing he has demonstrated in the past, it is that he can come back when no one is expecting it. LSG is still in with a chance of making the playoffs, and Pant may yet silence his critics with a series of game-changing performances.

It’s also worth mentioning that he is returning after a long injury layoff, which could have disrupted his rhythm. If he gets his confidence back and finds his groove, then he could be the go-getter LSG need to turn their season around.

What’s in store for LSG and Pant?
As the business end of the tournament draws near, the pressure on Pant will only mount. His leadership will be put to the test, and his batting will be questioned. If LSG doesn’t qualify for the playoffs, there will certainly be questions raised about whether the franchise overestimated Pant’s worth.

For the time being, Pant remains in a position to warrant his whopping price. If his form does not pick up, however, this might turn out to be one of the most dubious big-money deals in IPL history. Only time will tell if Rishabh Pant, the ₹27 crore man, will be able to silence his critics.

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