Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025 campaign has been tough, prompting former India cricketer and selector Kris Srikkanth to suggest that Pant be rested for the remaining matches this season. With Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) now out of playoff contention after their defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Srikkanth believes it’s the perfect time for Pant to take a mental break and work on regaining his form and confidence.
Pant, who was bought by LSG for a record Rs 27 crore, has struggled significantly throughout the tournament, unable to meet the high expectations placed on him as the most expensive player in IPL history. Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel, observed that Pant looks mentally exhausted and stressed that giving him time off could help him recharge.
Srikkanth emphasized that with only two remaining fixtures against Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore, which hold little consequence for LSG’s campaign, the team should focus on rebuilding and long-term planning, especially bolstering their bowling lineup. He feels resting Pant would benefit not only LSG’s future but also the Indian national team, which has important international matches ahead.
Drawing on his own experience as an aggressive batsman, Srikkanth acknowledged that risk-taking is integral to Pant’s style but pointed out that this season, Pant’s poor shot execution and lack of rhythm have led to numerous dismissals. He humorously compared Pant’s various modes of getting out this season—reverse sweeps, wild swings, and unusual shots—to his own struggles early in his career, noting that Pant is experimenting with even more ways to lose his wicket.
Pant’s struggles extend beyond IPL. He has faced difficulty cementing his place in India’s white-ball squads and has faced criticism in Test matches as well. The IPL was seen as a platform for Pant to bounce back, but instead, it has underscored deeper issues with form and confidence.
After LSG’s loss to SRH, Pant candidly acknowledged the team’s failures, pointing to inconsistent bowling and the inability to maintain momentum as reasons for their early exit from the play-offs race.
