20 May,2025 01:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rishabh Pant (Pic: File Pic)
Former Team India cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that Lucknow Super Giants' captain Rishabh Pant is having a nightmare IPL 2025 season. The former cricketer then backed the wicketkeeper-batsman by saying that the good thing about a nightmare is that you wake up.
"When you're in a bad patch, it feels like nothing works. The nights seem longer, the days even more so. That's when you learn, and bounce back. This has been a nightmare. The good thing about nightmares is that you eventually wake up," said Aakash Chopra on JioHotstar.
In the IPL 2025, LSG acquired the services of Rishabh Pant for Rs 27 crore. The left-hander with a heavy price was only able to garner 135 runs in 12 matches.
Further, Chopra said that it was a crucial season for Pant as he has not yet become a regular member of the Indian T20 side.
ALSO READ
Yashasvi Jaiswal outlines KL Rahul's impact after opening day hundred at Headingley against England
Headingley turns into run haven for centurions Jaiswal, Gill
"Amazing camaraderie": Jaiswal praises skipper Shubman Gill after memorable opening day in Leeds
Breaking records and ending spells of underperformance, Gill-led India reverses 'Bazball' card on England
Rishabh Pant completes 3000 test runs; surpasses MS Dhoni to become Asia's most successful wicketkeeper-batter in SENA
"Success might teach you a few things. Failures, however, truly change your mindset, and often for good. He isn't a regular in the Indian T20 side, so this season was crucial. A chance to make a mark, to build a strong unit," Chopra said.
"It hasn't gone that way. His own form has been inconsistent, another lesson in itself. Does he stick to this approach in T20s or adapt?," he added.
Former Team India pacer Varun Aaron said that Rishabh Pant's approach this season was a sign of a player out of form.
"LSG were relying on him, especially in the middle order. Except Marsh, nobody really scored. Pant looked tentative from the start and never really got going this season. It's a sign of a player out of form," he said.
"A prime Pant would've launched that shot into the stands. Today, he chipped it straight to the bowler. He's a quality player and will wake up. He just needs to adjust his approach slightly. This year, he hasn't scored behind square -- bowlers aren't letting him play those shots..."
The Rishabh Pant-led LSG suffered a loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets. The side will now lock horns against Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru to conclude with their IPL 2025 group stage matches.
(With PTI Inputs)
