Rishabh Pant, the captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), is facing major scrutiny in IPL 2025 after a disappointing performance that has raised questions about his hefty price tag of ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history.
As of April 1, 2025, Pant has scored a mere 17 runs across three matches, with individual scores of 0, 15, and 2, leading to widespread criticism from fans and analysts alike.
Performance Struggles
Pant’s struggles have been evident on the field. In the recent match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), he was dismissed for just 2 runs, continuing a troubling trend that has left supporters frustrated.
His strike rate has been notably low, even falling below that of other players with similar run totals.
Critics have pointed out that his performance does not justify the record-breaking price tag placed on him during the auction.
Domestic batter Priyank Panchal suggested that Pant might be feeling the pressure associated with his massive price tag.
He noted on social media that Pant’s lack of participation in recent international matches could have disrupted his batting momentum.
This sentiment underscores the psychological burden that such a high valuation can impose on a player.
Auction Dynamics
The circumstances surrounding Pant’s acquisition by LSG during the IPL auction also raise questions about the decision-making process.
Initially starting at a base price of ₹2 crore, bidding escalated rapidly. The Delhi Capitals, Pant’s former team, used their Right to Match (RTM) card strategically to inflate his price, ultimately forcing LSG to pay ₹27 crore—an amount many now consider excessive given his current form.
Comparisons with Peers
Adding to the scrutiny is the contrasting performance of Shreyas Iyer, who was acquired for ₹26.75 crore and has been delivering strong performances for PBKS, including an unbeaten 97 in one of their matches.
This disparity in performance between two high-priced players has intensified discussions about whether LSG made a grave error in investing so heavily in Pant.
Future Implications
As LSG navigates through IPL 2025, there is growing concern about how Pant’s form will affect the team’s overall performance.
While he has shown flashes of brilliance in previous seasons and possesses immense talent, his current struggles could jeopardize LSG’s campaign unless he can quickly regain his form.
