When I first saw Rishabh Pant unfold his explosive batting many years ago, I remember the sheer exhilaration of watching him pummel bowlers with audacious strokes. Fast‑forward to the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League, and it felt like a story of high stakes — both for the player and his franchise. In this article, we’ll dive deep into Pant’s journey during IPL 2025: the expectations, the numbers, the leadership, the tribulations, and what it all means for his future. Drawing from extensive research, I’ll also share my own reflections on what happens when expectation meets pressure.
The Background of Pant’s Move & Price Tag
In the lead‑up to IPL 2025, Pant switched franchises: after a long association with his earlier team, he joined the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the mega‑auction. mint+3IPL+3India Today+3
What made headlines was the record bid: he was bought for ₹27 crore — making him the most expensive player in IPL history up to that point. India Today+2NDTV Sports+2
From a fan’s perspective, it felt like this move was setting the stage for something big. I remember thinking: is this the moment when his talent, leadership and price combine into a winning narrative?
Expectations on and off the Field
With the price tag came immense expectations — from fans, team management, and the media. The franchise invested heavily and naturally wanted returns.
Off the field, his new role included captaincy and being a face of the franchise, adding layers to his responsibility. IPL
For me personally, it reminded me of when I took on a major role in my own career: the excitement of opportunity, but also the undercurrent of pressure.
Performance Overview – The Early Matches
The early matches of IPL 2025 did not go according to plan for Pant. In his first few innings, he managed very little — scores of 0, 15 and 2, to name a few. NDTV Sports+1
His strike‑rate and average both flagged concerns: just 128 runs in 11 innings at an average of 12.80, strike rate of 99.22 — far below what one expects from a top‑order batter. mint+1
I remember watching one of those innings and thinking, “Something is off.” His trademark aggression was still there — but the outcomes weren’t.
Why the Struggle? A Deeper Dive
Several factors could contribute:
- Form: He had been recovering from major injury issues, which can hamper timing and confidence. IPL
- New environment: New team dynamics, expectations and perhaps batting position changes.
- The burden of price and captaincy: As mentor Zaheer Khan publicly backed Pant’s leadership despite the batting slump. The Times of India
In my own experience, stepping into a new organisation comes with layers of ‘firsts’ — new culture, new expectations. It can take time to settle.
Leadership & Captaincy in Focus
Despite the batting slump, Pant’s leadership was still seen as a strength by the team management. Zaheer Khan stated that Pant had “ticked all the right boxes as a leader” though the bat hadn’t yet followed. The Times of India
It’s worth asking: can a player lead effectively when his own form is under question? My observation: yes, but it demands a strong mindset and support structure.
Impact on Team and Franchise
For LSG, the hope was that Pant’s acquisition and captaincy would elevate them into serious title contention. Instead, the campaign slipped into inconsistency. mint+1
Media commentary even pegged Pant among the “worst buys” of IPL 2025 given his returns. The Times of India+1
From an analytical perspective, this scenario underscores the risk‑reward trade‑off when franchises invest heavily in marquee players.
The Batting: Stats That Tell a Story
Let’s summarise key batting numbers for Pant in IPL 2025:
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | High Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~11 innings | ~128 runs | 12.80 | ~99.22 | 63 (vs CSK) mint+1 |
Important points:
- Six scores in single digits across 11‑12 innings. mint
- Only one notable innings: 63 against Chennai Super Kings.
- The strike rate is particularly concerning given his role as a middle‑order X‑factor batter.
For me, seeing these stats triggered both empathy and concern: empathy for the burden he carries; concern for what it signals about his rhythm and role.
Beyond Numbers – The Mental Side
Cricket (especially T20) isn’t just about runs — it’s about timing, decision‑making, and mindset. Pant’s intent hasn’t been in question; what’s been missing is the consistent execution.
He’s publicly responded to rumours of being released ahead of 2026, calling them “fake news” and emphasising the need for credible discourse. India Today
From personal experience, when I went through a slump at work, what helped was resetting focus on process rather than outcome. Perhaps Pant is on a similar journey.
What’s Next for Pant? A Roadmap Forward
If Pant is to turn around his 2025 narrative, a few things stand out:
- Return to signature style but with smarter shot‑selection in the middle‑overs.
- Leadership role remains intact — build from stability rather than reactive moves.
- Physical and technical maintenance: post‑injury recovery means he must safeguard fitness and form.
- Mental reset: releasing the weight of price tag and expectation.
In my own turnaround moment, I began by focusing on small wins rather than monumental outcomes — a tactic Pant might find useful.
The Pros & Cons of the 2025 Campaign
Pros:
- Leadership opportunity at a young age in a major franchise.
- Huge brand value and fan following — investment by the franchise isn’t just on‑field potential.
- One or two glimpses of the old Pant‑fire.
Cons: - Weak batting numbers and low strike rate.
- The price tag amplifying every failure in the media and public glare.
- Team performance linked to his form — adds extra pressure.
In reflecting on these, I’m reminded that talent alone isn’t always enough — environment, timing, and attitude matter equally.
My Personal Reflection — Why This Story Resonates
Watching Pant’s journey this season reminded me of a personal pivot in my career: a time when I stepped into a high‑profile role with massive expectations behind me, only to find early setbacks. The parallels: excitement, pressure, under‑performance, self‑reflection.
I learned that setbacks aren’t just failures — they’re signals: signals to adapt, recalibrate, rebuild. Pant’s season is not just about numbers — it’s about character, resilience, and potential for resurgence.
Final Thoughts & What to Watch
As IPL 2025 draws to a close, Pant’s story remains open‑ended. Will he bounce back in 2026 with renewed fire? Will the leadership role mature into a batting revival? Will the franchise continue to invest belief in him?
Here’s what I’ll be watching:
- His first 5 innings in 2026: strike‑rate, shot‑choice, impact.
- How the franchise recalibrates strategy around him: position, role, support.
- Whether he can detox from the “most expensive” label and focus purely on performance.
From my vantage point: the best stories in sport are not just about glory — they’re about comeback. And for Pant, the comeback might just be brewing.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Q: Why was Rishabh Pant bought for such a high price in IPL 2025?
A: He offered game‑changing batting, wicket‑keeping, leadership potential, and a strong brand value — factors that drive franchises to invest in expensive players. NDTV Sports+1
Q: What were Pant’s batting statistics in IPL 2025?
A: He scored approximately 128 runs from 11 innings, at an average of ~12.80 and strike rate ~99.22, with a top score of 63. mint+1
Q: Was Pant’s role purely as a batter in IPL 2025?
A: No — he also captained LSG and served as wicket‑keeper, adding leadership and dual responsibilities beyond batting. IPL+1
Q: Can Pant bounce back in future seasons?
A: Yes — many factors suggest potential for resurgence: skill set, leadership position, franchise backing. The key will be form, fitness and mindset.
FAQ Section
Q1. Is Rishabh Pant still considered a top player despite the slump?
Yes. His overall credentials remain strong — past performance, leadership, skill set, and brand value all work in his favour.
Q2. What went wrong for Pant in IPL 2025?
Several factors: loss of batting rhythm, pressure of price tag, role changes, and possibly recovery‑related challenges.
Q3. Will the franchise drop him because of poor performance?
Not immediately. Despite the struggles, the franchise has publicly backed him and his leadership role remains intact. The Times of India
Q4. How does this season compare to Pant’s earlier IPL campaigns?
It is significantly below his earlier standards — previously he had seasons with higher averages and strike‑rates. IPL
Q5. What should Pant focus on to recover his form?
Focus areas: regain timing and shot‑selection, maintain fitness, harness leadership role without letting the price tag weigh him down, and build confidence through small‑scale success.
Conclusion – Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025: A Lesson in Grit, Growth & Guts
Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025 journey wasn’t the fairytale many expected — it was tough, testing, and tangled in pressure. But that’s exactly what makes his story worth watching. While the numbers didn’t sparkle and the price tag cast a long shadow, Pant’s leadership, resilience, and unwavering presence on the field reflected something deeper than stats: character.