Rishabh Pant's struggles in IPL 2025 continued on Saturday evening, April 19, as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain managed just 3 runs off 9 balls against the Rajasthan Royals. This dismal performance has raised eyebrows and sparked a wave of criticism from fans and analysts alike.
After being acquired for a staggering 27 crores at the IPL auction, expectations for Pant were sky-high. The LSG owner, Sanjiv Goenka, had expressed confidence in Pant’s abilities, stating, "He will emerge as the best batsman of this season." However, the reality has been far from that prediction, as Pant has struggled to find his form throughout the tournament.
In his latest outing against the Royals, Pant's dismissal came after an ill-fated attempt at a reverse sweep against Wanindu Hasaranga. The ball, which bounced higher than anticipated, resulted in a top edge that was caught by wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel. Pant walked off the field visibly dejected, a sentiment echoed by the growing frustration among LSG fans.
Pant's performance statistics this season paint a bleak picture. In eight matches, he has managed only 106 runs, averaging 15.14 with a strike rate of 98.14. His scores thus far include 0, 15, 2, 2, 21, 63, and now 3, with the fifty against Chennai Super Kings being a rare highlight in an otherwise disappointing campaign.
The pressure on Pant intensified following his latest failure, with many fans taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction. Comments ranged from mocking his performance to suggesting he should return his hefty salary to Goenka. One fan tweeted, "If Rishabh Pant has any shame left, he should return all 27 crores to Goenka the way Gambhir did to DC. This is so shameful!"
Another comment read, "Rishabh Pant, you fraud! Why do you play T20 cricket? When will you justify your price tag?" Such sentiments reflect the mounting frustration with Pant's inability to deliver on the expectations set for him.
Goenka's reaction to Pant's dismissal has also gone viral, as he was seen making gestures that suggested his discontent with the situation. The video of his reaction quickly circulated on social media, adding fuel to the fire of memes and critiques surrounding Pant's performance. Fans commented on how Goenka appeared to be signaling to someone after Pant's wicket fell, with one user quipping, "Today in the dressing room, Pant is going to get a dressing down!"
This season has been particularly challenging for Pant, who was expected to lead LSG with both his batting and captaincy. Despite his steady wicketkeeping, which has included a few catches, his batting has been under scrutiny. The once-fearless shot-maker now seems to be struggling with confidence and execution, leaving fans and the team anxious about their playoff hopes.
As the tournament progresses, the stakes are rising for LSG, and the need for Pant to rediscover his form is becoming increasingly urgent. With the pressure mounting, both fans and the team's management are hoping to see a turnaround in his performance soon. The upcoming matches will be crucial for Pant to prove his worth and silence the critics.
In the broader context of the IPL 2025 season, the Lucknow Super Giants are currently facing challenges on multiple fronts. They lost their last game against CSK and now find themselves in a tight spot against the Royals. As the match unfolds, the team will need to rally together and find ways to support their captain, who is clearly feeling the heat.
With the IPL season entering a critical phase, the spotlight will remain firmly on Rishabh Pant. Can he rise to the occasion and fulfill the expectations that come with his hefty price tag? Or will his struggles continue to haunt the Super Giants? Only time will tell, but for now, the pressure is on.
