Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025 campaign has taken a troubling turn, with analysts pointing to tactical missteps and poor shot selection as key reasons behind his performance slump. Once known for his aggressive flair, the wicketkeeper-batter is now facing mounting scrutiny amid shifting market trends in team dynamics and player expectations.

Shot Selection Under the Scanner

In a season that has seen IPL teams adapt quickly to changing game strategies, Pant’s approach appears outdated and erratic. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar emphasized that Pant has been veering away from his strengths. Rather than sticking to traditional scoring areas down the ground, the left-hander has leaned heavily on unconventional strokes behind the stumps—often with poor results.

“Pant is a terrific Test player, no doubt,” Bangar noted during a discussion on Star Sports. “But in white-ball cricket—both T20 and 50-over formats—he seems lost. In this season, I’ve seen him get out multiple times trying to reverse sweep or play fine behind the wicket, ignoring his strongest zones like the cover drive or loft over midwicket.”

This change in approach has proven costly. With just 128 runs in 11 matches, including a solitary half-century, Pant’s inconsistency has become a liability for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). In their latest loss to Punjab Kings, chasing a mammoth 237, Pant could only manage 18 runs off 17 balls after coming in at No. 4—another missed opportunity in a season full of them.

Pressure of Expectations and Leadership

Adding to the pressure is his role as captain. According to former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, Pant’s body language and frustration on the field are becoming increasingly evident. “You can’t hit your way out of trouble every time,” Sidhu remarked on JioHotstar. “He’s letting the weight of his own reputation cloud his decisions. He needs to recalibrate and return to the basics of batting.”

Unlike calm and composed leaders such as MS Dhoni, Pant appears to let emotions seep into his gameplay, often visibly agitated after dismissals or team errors. This emotional turbulence could be contributing to his erratic shot-making and overall performance dip.

Meanwhile, LSG find themselves in a precarious position—seventh in the standings with just 10 points from 11 games. The bank rally seen in other teams, where experienced players are stepping up under pressure, hasn’t materialized for LSG, and Pant’s form is a central reason why.

What’s Next for Pant and LSG?

As the IPL season enters its final stretch, the path forward for Rishabh Pant will require a shift in mindset. Returning to core strengths—driving through the covers, hitting straight, and playing with calculated aggression—may be his best bet to regain form. The pressure is mounting, not just from fans but also from within the squad looking for leadership and consistency.

With fierce competition and rising performances from auto stocks in team rosters across franchises, the margin for error is narrowing. For Pant and LSG, adapting to the evolving market trends in cricket strategy could mean the difference between a late-season comeback or an early exit.