Rishabh Pant’s return was one of the biggest storylines before IPL 2025 kicked off. After a long injury layoff, he was ready to roar again this time with a fresh start at LSG. When Mitchell Marsh was ruled out, he has stumbled in his new role as opener for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Gujarat Titans, leaving fans baffled and critics loud.
A New Role at the Top against GT
With LSG trying something new, Pant was promoted to open the batting. The move was meant to let him face more balls and set the pace. He showed a glimpse of form with 21 runs but couldn’t convert it into anything meaningful. His best so far in IPL 2025 is 21 off 18 balls. Even that was messy he survived an easy drop by Buttler, tried to accelerate, and holed out in the seventh over.
Prasidh Krishna continued his impressive bowling performance outside the powerplay, striking again to remove Rishabh Pant. Pant, eager to accelerate the scoring, charged down the pitch but misjudged his shot, leaving too much room for error. His mistimed attempt resulted in a top edge that sailed comfortably into Washington Sundar’s hands, cutting short his innings.
Pant’s batting struggles in IPL 2025
Pant’s struggles in IPL 2025 have been evident, as he has managed an average of just 8 runs per match. His campaign began with a duck against Delhi Capitals, followed by a modest 15-run knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His form dipped further with consecutive two-run scores against Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. His 21-run effort against Gujarat Titans remains his highest score of the season so far. Across five innings, Pant has accumulated only 40 runs from 50 balls, highlighting his ongoing battle for consistency.
Fan Backlash on Social Media
Rishabh Pant, the highest-paid cricketer in IPL 2025 with a ₹27 crore contract, was expected to have a standout season. While Lucknow Super Giants have performed well, Pant has struggled to make an impact with the bat, managing just 21 off 18 balls in the clash against Gujarat Titans. His inconsistent form has frustrated fans, with many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize his performances, calling him a burden on the team.
You say fraud, I hear Rishabh Pant. #LSGvGT pic.twitter.com/WKnhRDFFK2
— Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) April 12, 2025
PR sympathy merchant Rishabh Pant scored 21 runs off 18 balls at 116 sr after getting dropped twice and these dishonest ex Indian Cricketers like @IrfanPathan & Sidhu will lick his feet, man these people make me hate Pant more!! https://t.co/rNypPiBshF pic.twitter.com/iSMUVGaz5w
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) April 12, 2025
Rishabh Pant has become such a burden for LSG, man. Usually, fans say Markram isn't T20I material, but next to Pant, he's looking like Chris Gayle. Pant just keeps playing dots nonstop and keeps putting pressure on the team. pic.twitter.com/L9kAw6hkDT
— StarcyKKR (@StarcKKR) April 12, 2025
The best thing was the decision of Rohit Sharma & Gautam Gambhir to not to play this mug player Rishabh Pant in the Champions Trophy. pic.twitter.com/NuADDJNJaw
— Lordgod 🚩™ (@LordGod188) April 12, 2025
Sunil Gavaskar to Sanjiv Goenka after seeing Rishabh Pant Performance 😂#LSGvGT pic.twitter.com/gFzAyqrZBF
— Megha Arora (@SassyyQueenn) April 12, 2025
Rishabh pant #LSGvGT pic.twitter.com/NIizsLu5a2
— Ashish (@Ashish2____) April 12, 2025
– Can't bat
– Can't keep
– Can't captain
– Playing on sympathy quote
– That's 27 crores fraud rishabh pant for you#LSGvGT pic.twitter.com/2QAEUMfxXa— Krishna. (@KrishVK_18) April 12, 2025
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