Is Rishabh Pant’s Record Rs 27 Crore Price Tag Impacting His Performance?

Background

Rishabh Pant, the newly appointed captain for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has faced significant challenges at the start of his tenure. Despite high expectations, LSG has experienced two losses in their first three games, sparking widespread criticism directed at Pant’s leadership and batting performance. As the captain, Pant has recorded disappointing scores of 0, 15, and 2.

High Expectations and Current Form

Purchased for a whopping Rs 27 crore in IPL 2025, Pant became the highest-paid player in the history of the tournament. Former Indian spinner, Piyush Chawla, however, believes that Pant’s recent poor form is not linked to his price tag. “Knowing Rishabh, it’s unlikely that the financial aspects are influencing his performance. Despite that, he seems out of form, which is apparent from his struggles both as a captain and a player,” Chawla noted during a discussion on JioHotstar.

Chawla further pointed out a critical moment in a recent match against Punjab Kings where Pant’s dismissal was emblematic of his current struggles. “He got out on a delivery that he could have easily hit for a boundary, but instead, he hit it straight to a fielder. His reaction included a wry smile, acknowledging the rough phase he’s currently enduring.”

Technical Adjustments Needed

The discussion also touched on Pant’s approach to batting. Chawla observed, “His defensive play, focusing on playing the ball straight, does not align well with the aggressive batting style prevalent in T20 and ODI cricket. A slight adjustment or angling of the bat could make a significant difference, helping him rotate the strike more effectively.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenging start, the LSG team, currently 6th in the points table, is preparing to face Mumbai Indians in their next match. As the team gears up, all eyes will be on Pant to see how he navigates through these challenges.