Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu on Thursday expressed concern over Rishabh Pant’s form in the ongoing Indian Premier League, suggesting that the wicketkeeper-batter is throwing his wicket away instead of forcing bowlers to work for it.
Pant’s performances this season have been inconsistent, with only one standout knock — an unbeaten 68 against Sunrisers Hyderabad — offering relief amid a string of low scores.
Currently leading Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Pant has struggled to deliver steady returns with the bat, contributing to the team’s position in the lower half of the points table.
Speaking on Star Sports, Sidhu emphasised the need for introspection within the team.
“There is a lot of soul-searching that needs to be done. Their problems have persisted, especially with the top order not firing. They have been heavily dependent on their top three, but the returns haven’t come,” Sidhu said.
Lack Of Partnerships Hurting Lucknow Super Giants
Sidhu pointed out that despite having a strong batting lineup featuring players such as Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, and Pant, the team has failed to build meaningful partnerships.
“When you look at players like Markram, Pooran, Marsh and Rishabh Pant, there is immense potential, but the partnerships are missing. Even a 50-run stand at the top has been rare,” he added.
Sidhu was particularly critical of Pant’s dismissals, stating that many of them were self-inflicted.
“I don’t think bowlers are getting Rishabh out; more often, he is getting himself out. He has the talent and ability, and if he gives himself time, he can turn it around. At the moment, both their batting and bowling seem to be struggling,” Sidhu remarked.
Pant’s struggles were evident in LSG’s recent defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he managed just 1 run in a five-wicket loss in Bengaluru.
So far this season, Pant has scored 104 runs in five matches, averaging 26.00 with a strike rate of 122.35, numbers that fall short of expectations for a player of his calibre.
Sidhu Praises Virat Kohli’s Impact And Longevity
While critiquing Pant, Sidhu reserved high praise for Virat Kohli, who played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful chase against LSG.
Kohli continued his strong run of form with another composed innings, demonstrating the consistency that has defined his long career.
“Virat Kohli, even at 20%, is better than most at 100%. That’s the kind of impact and influence he brings,” Sidhu said.
He also highlighted Kohli’s dominance against pace spearhead Mohammed Shami during the chase.
“The way he dominated Mohammed Shami stood out — on his toes, driving over cover, playing fluent pulls and cuts. The time he has to execute those strokes, even after 18–19 years at the top level, shows why he remains indispensable to the IPL,” Sidhu added.
LSG Face Pressure To Turn Season Around
With inconsistent performances from both batting and bowling units, Lucknow Super Giants face mounting pressure to improve quickly if they hope to climb the standings.
Much of that turnaround may depend on Pant rediscovering his rhythm and leading from the front — both as captain and as a key batter.