Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman and captain of Delhi Capitals, has endured a challenging IPL 2025 season. His recent scores—0, 15, 2, 2, DNB, 21, 63, and 3—have highlighted a period of inconsistency that’s now sparking serious conversations around his form and fitness.
While short-term dips are part and parcel of T20 cricket, Pant’s prolonged lean patch has left fans and selectors wondering whether this is just a temporary slump or a sign of deeper concerns.
High-Risk Style, High-Pressure Format
Pant’s batting style is rooted in aggression. A natural stroke-maker, he’s built his reputation on high-risk shots and boundary-hitting bravado. But such an approach often results in streaky performances. His 63-run knock against Chennai Super Kings was a clear display of the damage he’s capable of — a glimpse into the old Rishabh Pant.
Still, those sparks of brilliance have been too few this season to silence doubts about his consistency and reliability in the IPL 2025 campaign.
Post-Injury Comeback and National Selection Scrutiny
After recovering from a life-threatening car accident, Pant’s return to the international scene was met with cautious optimism. While India had tested alternatives like KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan, none quite fit the team dynamics like Pant. As a left-hander in a right-hand dominant Indian lineup, his inclusion for the T20 World Cup was seen as a strategic necessity.
However, that selection was questioned behind closed doors, especially considering his limited match exposure and fitness concerns.
Limited T20I Opportunities Under New Management
With Suryakumar Yadav taking over T20I captaincy and Gautam Gambhir assuming the coaching role, the Indian white-ball squad has seen a shift in strategy. Rishabh Pant, despite being in the squad, has featured in just two T20Is since the World Cup.
Instead, his focus has largely been on Test cricket, with minimal domestic cricket under his belt. Heading into IPL 2025 without match sharpness, Pant’s struggles were, to some extent, predictable.
Captaincy Load and Lack of Support
Leading a team with weak bowling depth, Pant’s burden extends far beyond his batting role. Juggling captaincy decisions, managing resources, and fulfilling leadership duties may have diluted his focus on his primary job — scoring runs.
This additional pressure, coupled with low match rhythm, appears to be impacting his overall performance in IPL 2025.
Still Time to Bounce Back
Despite all the challenges, Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025 form can still turn around. With other wicketkeeper-batsmen failing to make a strong case, Pant has a golden opportunity to reassert himself and stake a claim for the T20 World Cup 2026 squad.
If he finds his rhythm and delivers match-winning performances in the second half of the tournament, his place in India’s white-ball plans may still be secure.
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Source:- Wikipedia
