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Fails when matters - Decline of Nehal Wadhera analysed after India's Asia Cup Rising Stars exit

Rajgeeta Yadav

Nehal Wadhera during IPL 2025 [Source: AFP]Nehal Wadhera during IPL 2025 [Source: AFP]

India young batter Nehal Wadhera is considered one of the most exciting talents in modern cricket. He has impressed fans with his aggressive stroke play and strong domestic performances. After debuting in the IPL 2023 season for Mumbai Indians, he earned a reputation for being a reliable lower-middle-order batter. 

In 2025, playing for Punjab Kings (PBKS), he continued to show good form throughout the league stage. Notably, He is also currently representing India in Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

However, although Wadhera performs well in normal matches, the numbers tell a different story when the pressure is at its peak. The stats below reveal a worrying pattern.

PBKS vs RCB - Qualifier

Punjab Kings reached the Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025 season to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 29. It was a do-or-die match.

 PBKS needed someone to stabilise the innings when the top order collapsed, Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and captain Shreyas Iyer all fell cheaply. Wadhera came in at No. 5 to rescue the innings.

However, instead of leading a comeback, he struggled badly. The young batter lasted 10 balls for just 8 runs, striking at 80.00, far below expectations for a middle-order player in a knockout match. 

PBKS eventually lost the match by 8 wickets, failing to reach the final directly and this failure hurt the team’s momentum.

PBKS vs RCB - Final

The dream clash came next, PBKS vs RCB again, this time in the IPL Final 2025. RCB set a big target of 191 runs. Punjab’s top order helped the chase start fairly well, adding 98/4, keeping hopes alive. Once again, the moment was set for Wadhera to rise to the occasion.

But the pressure got to him again. He scored only 15 runs off 18 balls, with a very slow strike rate of 83.33, which pushed the required run rate sky-high. Punjab eventually fell short, and the team missed their maiden IPL trophy.

Asia Cup Rising Stars vs Pakistan A

The India-Pakistan rivalry always brings massive pressure, and this time was no different. India A got a decent start with 91 runs from the top order, but the middle order needed to finish strong. Captain Jitesh Sharma fell early, and the responsibility went to Wadhera.

Yet again, he disappointed. The Punjab-born batter managed 8 runs off 11 balls, striking at just 72.73, extremely poor for a T20 situation. Notably, India finished with only 136, and Pakistan chased the target easily in 13.2 overs, winning by 8 wickets.

Asia Cup Rising Stars Semi-Final vs Bangladesh A

The semi-final of Asia Cup Rising Stars between India A and Bangladesh A was a high-pressure contest, with a place in the final on the line. India’s top order gave the team a solid start.

However, when Wadhera walked in, the expectation was clear, he needed to push the scoring rate and finish strongly. Although he looked steady at the crease and scored 32 runs off 29 balls, his innings lacked acceleration. 

With a strike rate of 110.34, he rotated the strike but failed to shift gears when the situation demanded big shots. By the time he was dismissed, India had lost valuable momentum and fell short of what could have been a match-winning total. 

The game eventually went into a Super Over, where India lost the match.

Why is Wadhera struggling under pressure?

  • Notably, Wadhera’s strike rate falls sharply when the match situation becomes tense. Instead of shifting gears, he slows down, which allows the opposition to gain control. This puts additional pressure on partners and reduces the team’s scoring rate during essential phases.
  • Wadhera plays well when the top order builds a platform, but struggles to finish matches when responsibility is on him. In knockout games and tough chases, he has failed to convert starts into impactful scores, leading to stalled innings and missed momentum for the team at important moments.
  • While talented, Wadhera is still new to high-pressure matches. Compared to experienced finishers, he has yet to develop the composure and decision-making required in crunch overs, and this may be one of the reasons for his recent struggles.