Rishabh Pant’s difficult start to IPL 2025 continued to garner attention on April 1, when he was dismissed for a disappointing 2 runs off 5 balls against Punjab Kings in Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) third match of the season. The manner of his dismissal, coupled with his ongoing poor form, only amplified the pressure surrounding the captain. Pant's struggle in the match became a talking point for fans and analysts, and it seemed to add an element of irony as an old viral video resurfaced on social media, reminding everyone of Pant’s pre-auction joke about Punjab Kings.
In the video, which was recorded before the IPL mega auction, Pant had lightheartedly joked about being relieved he wasn't picked up by Punjab Kings. This came after it was widely anticipated that Punjab would target him during the auction, given their huge purse for the mega event. Pant had expressed mock fear, saying that if Punjab had gone for him, he would have faced a daunting situation. However, to his relief, it was Lucknow Super Giants that ended up securing him for a record-breaking sum of Rs 27 crore, making Pant the most expensive player in IPL auction history.
The joke about not wanting to play for Punjab, however, came back to haunt him when his form, or rather lack of it, became a talking point after LSG's defeat to PBKS. The match was not just another loss; it also marked Pant’s third consecutive failure with the bat in IPL 2025.
A Struggling Start to the Season
Pant had been dismissed for a duck (0 runs) in LSG’s opening match against his former team, Delhi Capitals, and followed it up with a 15-ball 15 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their second fixture. While these performances raised eyebrows, the match against Punjab Kings was arguably the most frustrating. Coming in at No. 4, Pant’s brief stay was marked by a failed attempt to break the shackles. In the fifth over of the LSG innings, he tried to launch a sweep shot against Yuzvendra Chahal, but the delivery was mistimed, and the ball found its way straight into the hands of the fine-leg fielder inside the 30-yard circle.
It wasn’t just Pant’s technical misstep that disappointed fans—it was the mounting expectation. With a Rs 27 crore price tag, Pant was expected to deliver not only as a leader but also as a key contributor with the bat. Instead, he continued to be an anchor weighing down the team. As the IPL season progresses, Pant's batting form has drawn intense scrutiny, with a growing sense that he is not living up to his price or reputation.
The Impact of the Joke on His Reputation
Pant's light-hearted remarks about Punjab Kings during the IPL auction now feel almost prophetic in hindsight. The video resurfacing on social media has made the situation more ironic, as fans joke about how Pant's supposed “fear” of being picked by the franchise has manifested in poor performances, especially against them. There is now an underlying narrative of how his big-money move to Lucknow, instead of Punjab, hasn't yielded the anticipated results on the field.
Fans on social media have taken to comparing Pant’s form to his hefty price tag, and many have questioned whether he is worth the money LSG invested in him. With each failure, the conversation around Pant’s auction price intensifies. His position in the team is now being questioned, especially with other players in the squad vying for spots and opportunities. For someone who was meant to be a transformative figure for LSG, his poor batting form is undermining his leadership credentials.
The Pressure of Captaincy
Pant’s struggles have not only been a personal setback but have also cast a shadow on his role as captain of Lucknow Super Giants. As the team leader, Pant is expected to provide stability, both as a batter and in his decision-making. However, with his batting failures, it is becoming increasingly difficult for fans to separate his role as a player from his leadership duties. Critics argue that the captaincy adds another layer of pressure to an already struggling player.
While his leadership remains largely intact for now, continued failures could lead to calls for changes in the leadership structure. The next few matches will be pivotal in determining whether Pant can regain his form with the bat and lead LSG back to winning ways.
Rishabh Pant’s Future in IPL 2025
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, Pant’s future in the tournament seems uncertain. With the kind of pressure mounting on him, this could either be a season of redemption or one that becomes a cautionary tale for high-profile players with big price tags. Pant’s reputation, both as a player and as a leader, is on the line, and it’s clear that the next few games will be crucial for him to rediscover his form.
He will need to answer his critics, not just with the bat, but with his leadership skills as well. Fans and analysts alike are waiting for Pant to show that he can handle the weight of the IPL, not just as the highest-paid player but also as the man who is supposed to lead Lucknow Super Giants to success. His next few performances could define his IPL 2025 campaign, and they might even shape the trajectory of his career in the years to come.
Whether he can shrug off the weight of his struggles, the viral video of his Punjab joke, and the heavy expectations placed on him remains to be seen. Pant will need to rise to the occasion in upcoming matches to justify the faith LSG placed in him during the auction and prove that his price tag was indeed worth it.
