![Rishabh Pant [Source: @riseup_pant17/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1752232394485_Rishabh_Pant.jpg?type=mq)
Rishabh Pant [Source: @riseup_pant17/X.com]
The IPL 2025 season has ended, and while the tournament saw plenty of exciting matches, one of the most talked-about disappointments was the poor form of Rishabh Pant.
The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter was signed by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record-breaking ₹27 crore, the highest ever in IPL history. Big money brings big expectations, but Pant’s season turned out to be anything but memorable.
Rishabh Pant's Poor Form In IPL 2025
In 13 innings for LSG this season, Pant scored just 269 runs. His batting average stood at a shocking 24.45, and he had a strike rate of 133.17, which is quite low for a T20 batsman, especially someone of Pant’s caliber.
When a team invests hefty money on a player, they expect game-changing performances, not inconsistency and underwhelming scores. Pant started the season with a six-ball duck against his former franchise, DC. Many believed it was just early pressure, but the poor form continued, with his next three scores being 15, 2, and 2.
Pant did manage to play a spectacular knock of 118 off 61 balls in the final match against RCB, but by then, it was too late, LSG were already out of playoff contention.
Here’s a look at his basic performance numbers:
| Information | Number |
| Matches Played | 13 |
| Total Runs | 269 |
| Batting Average | 24.45 |
| Strike Rate | 133.17 |
While his batting performance raised eyebrows, Pant’s captaincy also came under scrutiny. Though he has previously led Delhi Capitals in three IPL seasons, in 2021, 2022, and 2024, the team only reached the playoffs once under his leadership.
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Rishabh Pant's Ordinary Captaincy In IPL
His decisions under pressure often looked confused or reactive, and similar patterns emerged this season with LSG. The team started the tournament well, winning their first four matches, but they lost momentum quickly. In close games, Pant’s tactical errors stood out.
LSG finished the season with 7 wins, 6 losses, and 1 no result, placing them seventh on the points table. This was the first time LSG failed to qualify for the playoffs since they debuted in 2022.
Despite having a star-studded batting lineup, including names like Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram, the team struggled with consistency. Several matches that should have been won were lost in the final overs, again pointing fingers at the team’s leadership.
From a financial and strategic point of view, releasing Pant before the IPL 2026 auction might a lot of sense to LSG. Retaining him at ₹27 crore would put unnecessary pressure on the team’s budget.
Instead, LSG could release him and aim to buy him back in the auction using the Right to Match (RTM) card or through bidding. Given his current form, other teams are unlikely to bid too high, and LSG could potentially get him back at a much lower price, maybe under ₹15–20 crore.
Notably, this extra money could be used to strengthen the LSG squad with quality India players or overseas match-winners. It also gives the management flexibility to look for a fresh leader who can take charge of the dressing room without the burden of price tags or performance pressure.
