Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025 Struggles: Missed CSK Opportunity and Leadership Woes at LSG

Rishabh Pant’s 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been fraught with challenges, both on and off the field. Despite being acquired by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history, Pant’s performance has been underwhelming. In nine matches, he has amassed only 106 runs, with a highest score of 63, and a strike rate below 100.

Adding to the intrigue, reports have surfaced about a potential move to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) before the season began. According to CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan, while the team had discussions about acquiring Pant, they ultimately decided to focus on retaining their core players due to budget constraints. 

Speculation suggests that Pant’s desire for immediate captaincy may have been a sticking point, leading CSK to retain additional players and move past the potential acquisition.

On the field, Pant’s leadership at LSG has come under scrutiny. In a recent match against the Delhi Capitals, he made the surprising decision to demote himself to number seven in the batting order, a position he hadn’t occupied since his debut season in 2016. This move resulted in a two-ball duck, further fueling criticism. Pant explained the decision as a tactical move to capitalize on the surface, but it backfired as the team struggled to post a competitive total.

Former cricketers and analysts have weighed in on Pant’s form and leadership. Harsha Bhogle remarked that Pant appeared “like a man struggling with his EMIs,” highlighting concerns about his mental state and performance. Ambati Rayudu emphasized the need for Pant to take ownership and bat higher in the order, stating, “He is the captain and it is a captain’s sport.”

Despite the setbacks, LSG remains in contention for the playoffs, tied with other teams at 10 points. Pant’s return to form could be pivotal for the team’s success in the latter stages of the tournament. However, with his current trajectory, questions loom about his future in India’s white-ball setup and his role in the IPL moving forward.