RISHABH PANT’S IPL 2025 WOES CONTINUE AS LSG CRASH OUT AGAINST SRH

Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025 Woes Continue as LSG Crash Out Against SRH

Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025 Woes Continue as LSG Crash Out Against SRH

Blog Article

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been a season to forget for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant. The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter, acquired for a record-breaking INR 27 crore, has struggled to find his rhythm, and his poor form reached a low point in LSG’s crucial clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 19, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. Despite a valiant effort from LSG’s top order, SRH’s clinical chase of 206 ended LSG’s playoff hopes with a six-wicket victory, leaving Pant and his team to reflect on a disappointing campaign.


For fans tracking performances and looking ahead to upcoming matches, Starexch provides detailed previews and updates from the ongoing season, making it a go-to resource for IPL enthusiasts.

The Match: LSG vs SRH – A Playoff Dream Shattered


LSG entered the match knowing that a loss would eliminate them from playoff contention. SRH, already out of the race, were playing for pride, but their explosive batting lineup made them a dangerous opponent. SRH captain Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bowl, banking on chasing under the lights on a pitch described as a “batter’s paradise” with short boundaries (60m and 69m on the square, 75m straight). LSG posted a competitive 205/7, thanks to half-centuries from openers Mitchell Marsh (65*) and Aiden Markram (61*), along with a quickfire 45 off 26 balls from Nicholas Pooran. However, Pant’s contribution was a mere 7 runs off 8 balls, dismissed by Eshan Malinga, adding to his string of low scores.

SRH’s chase was powered by Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 59 off 20 balls, setting the tone early. Heinrich Klaasen (47 off 28) and contributions from Ishan Kishan and Kamindu Mendis ensured SRH reached 206/4 in 18.2 overs, winning with 10 balls to spare. Digvesh Singh Rathi took two wickets for LSG, but Pant’s sharp review to dismiss Klaasen for 47 was a rare highlight in an otherwise lackluster performance. The defeat marked LSG’s fourth loss in five games, ending their season with 10 points from 12 matches and a net run rate of -0.469, making their remaining two games inconsequential.

Pant’s Struggles in Focus


Pant’s 7-run knock against SRH was his 11th single-digit score in 12 innings this season, taking his tally to 135 runs in 11 matches at an average of 12.27 and a strike rate of 100.00—numbers that are unthinkable for a player of his pedigree. His only notable contribution remains a 63 off 49 balls against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), but even that came in a losing cause. Against SRH, Pant’s dismissal—caught behind off Malinga after a tentative poke—epitomized his season-long struggle to convert starts or play his natural, aggressive game.

This season’s stats paint a grim picture. Pant’s strike rate of 100.00 is the lowest among batters facing over 100 balls, and his average of 12.27 is a far cry from his career IPL average of 33.13, with 3,412 runs in 122 matches. His 2018 season, where he smashed 684 runs at an average of 52.61 and a strike rate above 170, feels like a distant memory. Even his 2024 comeback, post a life-threatening car accident, saw him score 446 runs at a strike rate of 155.40, raising hopes that 2025 would be a breakout year. Instead, Pant has been a shadow of his explosive self.

What Went Wrong for Pant?


Several factors have contributed to Pant’s dismal IPL 2025:

  • Form and Confidence: Pant’s season began with a duck against Delhi Capitals (DC), and his scores since—0, 15, 2, 2, 21, 63, 3, 0, 4, 18, and now 7—reflect a player grappling with confidence. His animated gestures, criticized by former players like Aakash Chopra, suggest frustration, and his strike rate against spinners (71.11) is particularly alarming for a player known for dominating spin.


  • Captaincy Pressure: Leading a new franchise under the weight of a INR 27 crore price tag has visibly affected Pant. His decision-making, like batting at No. 7 in one game or opting to bowl first against SRH earlier in the season, has drawn scrutiny. Former Australian captain Aaron Finch suggested Pant hand over wicketkeeping duties to Pooran to focus on captaincy, highlighting the strain of juggling both roles.


  • Lack of Game Time: Pant’s limited competitive cricket before IPL 2025—a single Ranji Trophy match in January—left him underprepared for the T20 format’s demands. His rustiness is evident in soft dismissals and a lack of timing, especially against pace.


  • Tactical Errors: LSG’s batting order experiments, including pushing Pant up and down the lineup, have disrupted his rhythm. His brief stint as an opener against Gujarat Titans and a lower-order role against DC didn’t yield results, leaving him searching for a consistent spot.



In the middle of this turbulent campaign, fans seeking exciting match offers and IPL-related updates can check out TATA IPL 2025 Match Prediction  which highlights ongoing cricket-centric engagement for supporters following the action closely.

Impact on LSG’s Campaign


Despite Pant’s struggles, LSG showed promise early in the season, with a notable win against SRH in Hyderabad on March 27, 2025, where Shardul Thakur’s four-wicket haul and half-centuries from Marsh and Pooran secured a five-wicket victory. However, their inconsistency—four losses in the last five games—stemmed from a misfiring Pant and an injury-prone pace attack. Marsh (65*), Markram (61*), and Pooran (410 runs this season) have been LSG’s backbone, but Pant’s inability to anchor or accelerate in the middle order has hurt their balance. With a net run rate of -0.469, even winning their remaining two matches won’t be enough to salvage their playoff hopes.

Can Pant Turn It Around?


With two matches left against Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians, Pant has a chance to end the season on a high, even if LSG’s playoff dreams are over. His history suggests he’s capable of a comeback. His 97 off 43 balls against Gujarat Lions in 2017 and his 2024 IPL performance post-accident are proof of his resilience. Here’s what Pant needs to do:

  • Regain Aggression: Pant’s cautious approach, especially against spin, has stifled his natural game. Reverting to his fearless style—scoops, lofts, and powerful drives—could unlock his potential.


  • Fix the Batting Slot: Settling at No. 4 or 5, where he’s most comfortable, could provide stability. LSG’s experiments with his position have done more harm than good.


  • Mental Reset: As Virender Sehwag suggested, guidance from mentors like MS Dhoni could help Pant navigate the mental toll of captaincy and expectations.



Looking Ahead


Pant’s IPL 2025 season has been a stark reminder that even the most talented players can hit rough patches. His strike rate of 100.00 and average of 12.27 are anomalies for a player with a century and 19 fifties in his IPL career. The SRH match, where he managed just 7 runs, encapsulated his struggles—tentative footwork and a lack of intent. Yet, at 27, Pant’s career is far from over. His iconic performances, like the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy heroics, show he thrives under pressure.

For LSG, the focus now shifts to 2026. Pant’s leadership will be scrutinized, and owner Sanjiv Goenka’s reported frustration, as noted on X, suggests tough conversations ahead. However, Pant’s teammate Shahbaz Ahmed remains optimistic, calling him “chilled and relaxed” and backing him to deliver in the future. With India’s Test vice-captaincy rumors swirling, Pant’s final two IPL games could be a chance to rebuild confidence and silence critics.

As LSG lick their wounds after the SRH defeat, Pant’s journey remains one to watch. Will the “Rishabh Pant show” return with a bang, or will this season be a footnote in an otherwise stellar career? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Pant’s fire hasn’t gone out—it’s just waiting to be reignited.

 

Report this page