Rishabh Pant Faces Crucial IPL Season Amid High Expectations

As the IPL season approaches, Rishabh Pant finds himself under significant pressure to perform after a lackluster previous year. With high expectations from fans and experts alike, Pant's performance could determine his future in India's limited-overs setup. Faf Du Plessis highlights the challenges Pant faces, including the need to justify his hefty price tag and regain his form. Additionally, concerns about LSG's bowling strategy and the impact of young spinner Digvesh Rathi add to the intrigue. The season kicks off with LSG facing Delhi Capitals on April 1, setting the stage for a critical year ahead for Pant.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 22, 2026, 13:05 IST

Rishabh Pant Under Pressure

Faf Du Plessis, a seasoned South African batsman, emphasized that the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season is pivotal for Rishabh Pant, the captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), especially after a disappointing previous season where he was the league's highest-paid player at ₹27 crore.

This season, Pant aims to overcome the challenges of a lackluster 2025 campaign and validate his hefty price tag. His performance is crucial not only for his financial standing but also for his future in India's limited-overs squad, as he has been overshadowed by KL Rahul in ODIs and by Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in T20Is, with Jitesh Sharma also in contention. A standout IPL season could help Pant reclaim his position as India's preferred wicketkeeper-batter in limited-overs formats.

Expert Insights on Pant's Pressure

During an episode of JioHotstar's 'Game Plan - Know Your Team', Du Plessis remarked, "Rishabh Pant is arguably the player facing the most pressure in this IPL season. While some players thrive under the weight of their price tags, others falter. Last season was particularly challenging for him, as both he and the team struggled significantly. This season brings heightened expectations and pressure on him to perform."

Pant's Previous Season Performance

In the 2025 season, Pant's performance was disappointing, accumulating only 269 runs across 13 innings, averaging 24.45 with a strike rate of 133.16. He managed just one century and one half-century, with his highest score being 118*, achieved against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Concerns Over LSG's Bowling Strategy

Du Plessis also raised concerns regarding LSG's bowling strategy, noting that the team is heavily reliant on its batting lineup. He believes that if Pant can regain his form, it would alleviate some pressure from the bowlers.

The Impact of Digvesh Rathi

Du Plessis expressed admiration for young spinner Digvesh Rathi, who impressed in his debut season by taking 14 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 30.64, with best figures of 2/30. He is eager to see how opposing batters will adapt to Rathi's bowling in the upcoming season.

"Digvesh Rathi's approach was remarkable. In his first season, many batters struggled to read him. I remember my first encounter with him and thought, 'I need to adjust because he is quite different.' In the second season, it will be interesting to see how batters prepare against him now. His performances have been consistent, although social media may have played a role in his visibility," Du Plessis noted.

Challenges with Hasaranga's Injury

Du Plessis mentioned that LSG's leading spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga from Sri Lanka, is likely to miss the early part of the IPL due to an injury sustained during the T20 World Cup. He suggested a potential spin combination for the team.

"Hasaranga has faced multiple injuries over the past three years, and it seems he will not be available for the initial phase of the IPL. They may need to rely on Anrich Nortje (pacer) to maintain balance. The spin lineup could include Digvesh Rathi, Shahbaz Ahmed, and possibly some contributions from part-timer Aiden Markram," he concluded.

Upcoming Match

LSG is set to kick off their season against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 1 in Lucknow.