The IPL 2025 season has come to an end for the Lucknow Super Giants, and once again, they find themselves reflecting on what went wrong. Despite a promising squad on paper, LSG failed to qualify for the playoffs. Their campaign was hampered by two glaring issues — the inconsistent form of Rishabh Pant and the lack of impact from their pace bowlers. These two factors combined to derail what could have been a successful IPL 2025 season.
Rishabh Pant’s Form a Major Concern in IPL 2025
Much was expected from Rishabh Pant after his high-profile move to Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2025. The franchise invested a whopping Rs 27 crore to bring him in, making him the costliest player in IPL auction history. However, the decision hasn’t paid off as Pant endured one of the worst seasons of his career.
In 11 innings this season, Rishabh Pant scored only 135 runs at a strike rate of 100. His scores – 0, 15, 2, 2, 21, 63, 3, 0, 4, 18, and 7 – paint a clear picture of a player out of touch. The explosive 360-degree stroke-maker that fans knew was missing in IPL 2025. His only noteworthy knock came in one match, while the rest of the season was marred by poor shot selection and lack of confidence.
Pant’s struggles are concerning not just for Lucknow Super Giants, but also for Team India. With the ICC World Test Championship and England tour approaching, Rishabh Pant’s form in IPL 2025 has sparked debate about his mental readiness. Despite being an established red-ball player, this prolonged lean patch in T20s is bound to raise selection questions, especially when India is looking to rebuild after the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Leadership Pressure and Lack of Rhythm
Apart from his batting woes, Rishabh Pant’s leadership was also underwhelming in IPL 2025. After moving on from the Delhi Capitals, where he struggled to inspire results, Pant was expected to lead Lucknow Super Giants with a fresh mindset. However, the pressure of captaincy seemed to affect his decision-making on the field. From bowling changes to field placements, Pant often appeared unsure and reactive.
While he publicly defended his performances, stating that blaming individuals was unfair, his own displays didn’t help shift the narrative. As the season progressed, Rishabh Pant found new ways to get out — often due to mistimed strokes or lack of footwork. Former cricketers like Kris Srikkanth have pointed out that Pant is not playing with the same clarity or aggression that once made him a T20 asset.
Pace Bowlers Failed to Step Up for LSG
While Rishabh Pant’s form has dominated headlines, the other major issue for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 was their ineffective pace bowling unit. Injuries to key pacers and lack of depth in the fast-bowling department left the team exposed. LSG struggled to defend totals, and their pace bowlers were unable to maintain pressure in crucial overs.
Whether it was failing to strike with the new ball or leaking runs at the death, Lucknow Super Giants’s pace bowlers lacked both execution and variation. The spin department showed some promise, but in T20 cricket, pace bowlers often play the decisive role — and that’s where LSG consistently fell short this season.
The absence of a dependable strike bowler hurt the Super Giants in pressure moments. In several close matches, their pacers couldn’t hold their nerve, costing the team valuable points. Even when the batters did their job, the bowling unit failed to finish games — something that haunted them throughout IPL 2025.
Can Pant Bounce Back Ahead of England Tour?
As India prepares for a challenging Test series in England, Rishabh Pant’s form becomes even more crucial. Known for his fearless approach in red-ball cricket, Pant will be facing an England side that thrives on attacking, unconventional strategies. The “Bazball” era under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum will test Pant’s patience, technique, and temperament.
Although Pant is a proven match-winner in Test cricket, the lack of match rhythm and confidence gained from IPL 2025 could be a concern. Some experts have suggested that the BCCI should have sent him early to acclimatize and play in India A matches. With India’s Test batting line-up in transition, Rishabh Pant remains one of the few with significant overseas experience — but he needs to find form quickly.
A Season of Lost Opportunities for Lucknow Super Giants
IPL 2025 will be remembered as a season of missed chances for Lucknow Super Giants. The franchise had talent and resources but failed to put together consistent performances. Rishabh Pant’s poor form and the failure of their pace bowlers to deliver under pressure were the two key reasons behind their early exit.
As the focus now shifts to the international calendar, both Lucknow Super Giants and Rishabh Pant will be hoping for a turnaround. For Lucknow, rethinking their bowling strategy is essential. For Pant, red-ball cricket in England might just be the format he needs to rediscover his mojo.
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