"He is lacking spark": Adam Gilchrist on Rishabh Pant's IPL 2025 performance
n IPL 2025, Rishabh Pant, purchased for INR 27 crore by Lucknow Super Giants and appointed captain, has struggled significantly, scoring just 128 runs in 10 matches at an average of 12.8.
Last Updated: 12.00 AM, May 06, 2025
IPL 2025's most expensive purchase, Rishabh Pant, has been out of form right from the go. The player has failed to deliver on numerous occasions that have cost LSG. Pant was roped in at a price of INR 27 crore by the Lucknow Super Giants. The player was straightaway appointed as the captain of the side too. He has scored 128 runs in 10 matches at an average of 12.8.
Former Aussie wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist recently shared his opinions on Pant's struggle in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. Gilchrist mentioned that Rishabh hasn't looked like before and might be feeling the burden of captaincy and the massive price tag.
"Watching him, you always feel that he enjoys his cricket. We haven't seen that this time around. Haven't seen him smiling, laughing, being jovial, being relaxed. Maybe it is the responsibility of the captaincy, coming into a new franchise with that highest price tag over his head," said Gilchrist to Cricbuzz.
He further mentioned, "I don't see him being his true personality. People may see hang on there, his batting has been too carefree. I think there is a happy balance in his stroke play and stroke selection. Don't see the spark in him."
"Just don't see that spark in him": Gilchrist on Pant's struggle
Rishabh Pant has scored only a single half-century that came against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, that fifty went in vain as LSG lost the match. As of now, LSH has played 11 matches and won only five of them. In order to qualify for the playoffs, the team needs to ensure all wins in the remaining matches.
The former Aussie batter said that Pant doesn't look to enjoy the game like before and the vibrant body language is missing. "Just don't see that spark in him. I am just making this observation 10-11 games in. He's one of the most enjoyable and entertaining cricketers to watch when his natural colour is coming through. He is a certain personality; he has a vibrant body language. Something is missing there, something is missing."