Rishabh Pant, who was signed by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a hefty ₹27 crore in IPL 2025, has faced mounting criticism for both his batting form and captaincy demeanor. The wicketkeeper-batter has struggled throughout the tournament, scoring just 128 runs across 11 games with an average of 12.80 and a strike rate of 99.22 — the lowest among players with over 100 runs this season.
Former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra addressed Pant’s underwhelming performances and visibly emotional reactions on the field, especially during LSG’s game against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala before the IPL was temporarily suspended due to India-Pakistan border tensions.
Chopra, speaking on his YouTube channel, said, “Rishabh Pant looked disturbed and frustrated. That’s not the kind of attitude you expect from a leader on the field. His reactions were too animated, and it’s not healthy for the team atmosphere. A captain shouldn’t show visible signs of pressure or anger.”
Chopra also noted that spectators and analysts can’t truly know what’s happening behind closed doors, but on-field expressions are telling. “When a captain displays frustration so openly, it can affect team morale,” he added.
Adding to the drama, Pant has often been spotted in intense conversations with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka post-match. While the content of these discussions remains unclear, their frequency has sparked speculation.
With only three league matches left, LSG finds itself in a precarious position — seventh on the table with 10 points from 11 games. To keep playoff hopes alive, the team must win all three remaining fixtures. However, even then, their fate depends on the performances of rival teams like Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings have already secured their playoff berths, leaving limited room for error for the remaining contenders.
Despite Pant’s reputation and past success, Aakash Chopra emphasized that the performance on the field is what counts. “Pant is undoubtedly a talented cricketer, but the results this season haven’t justified his price tag or reputation,” Chopra concluded.
