Rishabh Pant, the young and talented wicket-keeper batsman, has been making headlines ever since he made his debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2016. His explosive batting style and fearless approach towards the game have earned him a huge fan following. However, in the recently concluded IPL 2025 auction, Pant’s name created a stir when he was bought by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a whopping Rs 27 crore. While many were surprised by this move, some even questioned the decision of the franchise to spend such a huge amount on a single player. As the dust settles, it is evident that Pant has not been able to justify his hefty price tag and here are three reasons why LSG shouldn’t have bid Rs 27 crore for him.
Firstly, Pant’s performance in the IPL has been inconsistent. Despite being a part of the Delhi Capitals (DC) for the past few years, he has failed to make a significant impact in the tournament. In the last four seasons, he has only managed to score 1,736 runs in 68 matches at an average of 28.93. These numbers are not impressive for a player who was bought for such a huge amount. Moreover, his strike rate of 148.17 is also not up to the mark, especially for a player who is known for his aggressive batting. Pant’s inability to convert his starts into big scores has been a major concern for his team and this has reflected in his performance in the IPL.
Secondly, Pant’s form in international cricket has also been underwhelming. Despite being touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket, he has not been able to cement his place in the national team. In the limited-overs format, he has been in and out of the team and has failed to make a mark. In the recently concluded T20 World Cup, he managed to score only 68 runs in five matches at an average of 17. This is not the kind of performance one would expect from a player who has been bought for such a huge amount. Pant’s inconsistency and lack of big scores in international cricket have raised questions about his ability to perform under pressure.
Lastly, Pant’s attitude on the field has also been a cause for concern. While his aggressive approach towards batting is appreciated by many, his lack of discipline and maturity have often cost his team dearly. In the IPL, he has been involved in several run-outs and has also been criticized for throwing his wicket away at crucial moments. His impulsive decision-making has not only affected his own performance but has also affected the team’s chances of winning. As a player who is expected to lead the team from the front, Pant’s attitude needs to be more responsible and focused.
In conclusion, it is evident that Rishabh Pant has not been able to justify his hefty Rs 27 crore price tag in IPL 2025. His inconsistent performance, lack of form in international cricket, and attitude on the field have raised doubts about his ability to live up to the expectations of the franchise. While it is true that Pant is a talented player with immense potential, it is also important to note that he is still young and has a lot to learn. Perhaps, LSG should have thought twice before bidding such a huge amount for him and invested in a more experienced and consistent player. However, it is not too late for Pant to prove his worth and silence his critics. With the right guidance and a positive attitude, he can still turn things around and justify his price tag in the upcoming seasons of the IPL. After all, as they say, it’s not about the price tag, but the performance on the field that truly matters.
