Pant’s Struggle in IPL Raising Concern
Dubela, Annrisha Kusari: Rishabh Pant’s struggles in the current IPL have raised concerns about his future in India’s T20 squad. With Sanju Samson also struggling for runs and KL Rahul out of T20 contention, Pant has a good chance to reclaim his spot—if he can find his rhythm in the second half of the tournament.
Pant’s IPL performances have been inconsistent, with scores of 0, 15, 2, 2, DNB, 21, 63, and 3. While not yet alarming, he needs to rediscover his form and maintain consistency. India has many talented batsmen, including Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav, who all play with a high-risk approach. Pant must prove himself among them.
The second half of the IPL will be crucial for Pant. His role as a left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman offers flexibility, something coach Gautam Gambhir values. In T20 cricket, especially in a tournament like the IPL, a high-risk approach is common. Pant, known as one of the most adventurous Indian batsmen, is bound to have ups and downs—but he also knows he’s running out of time. Pant has played 76 T20 matches, scoring 1,209 runs at an average of 23, with 111 fours and 44 sixes. In Tests, he has played 43 matches, scoring 2,948 runs at an average of 42, with 320 fours and 73 sixes.
His 63-run knock against Chennai Super Kings showed glimpses of his old self. He has drawn inspiration from teammate Nicholas Pooran, known for his consistency. Though Pant once frustrated fans with untimely dismissals, he is now aiming to become one of the most consistent T20 batsmen in the world. The stakes are high, and Pant’s performance in the IPL will likely decide his future in India’s T20 setup.
