Rishabh Pant's IPL Struggles: Insights from Saba Karim

Former cricketer Saba Karim has analyzed Rishabh Pant's ongoing struggles in the IPL, attributing them to his difficulty in finding a consistent approach in limited-overs cricket. Despite a stellar rise in the 2018 season, Pant's recent performances have been disappointing, raising questions about his adaptability in international formats. Karim emphasizes the need for Pant to develop a personal template for white-ball cricket, contrasting his success in Test matches with his challenges in ODIs and T20Is. This article delves into Pant's statistics and the implications for his future in cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 14:15 IST

Saba Karim Analyzes Rishabh Pant's Performance

Saba Karim, a former Indian cricketer, has commented on the challenges faced by Rishabh Pant, the captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Karim believes that Pant's difficulties over the last two seasons stem from his inability to establish a consistent approach in limited-overs cricket.

In the current season, Pant's performance has been disappointing, highlighted by a three-ball duck against Nandre Burger during a match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday. Following a dismal season last year where he scored only one century and fifty runs, this year is proving to be even more challenging. So far, he has accumulated just 147 runs in seven innings, averaging 24.50 with a strike rate of 132.43, including one fifty and a top score of 68*. With only two victories and five defeats, LSG is currently positioned ninth in the standings, significantly diminishing their playoff prospects.

Karim Discusses Pant's Template Issues

During an appearance on ESPNCricinfo's 'TimeOut' program, Karim pointed out that despite Pant's extensive experience in domestic, IPL, and international limited-overs cricket since 2015-16, he has yet to refine his approach for these formats.

"A modern T20 batsman must develop a personal template. For example, players like Shreyas Iyer or Rajat Patidar have clarity in their minds about playing aggressive shots, even in challenging conditions," Karim explained.

"Rishabh Pant's challenge lies in his struggle to define his approach for white-ball cricket. Unlike his Test match batting, where his thought process appears clearer, he has not yet found that clarity in limited-overs formats," he added.

Performance Discrepancies: IPL vs. International

Pant gained recognition during the IPL 2018 season, amassing 684 runs in 14 innings with an impressive average of 52.61 and a strike rate exceeding 173, which included a century and five fifties. However, despite his remarkable IPL performances with Delhi Capitals (DC), he has struggled to replicate that success on the international stage.

International White-Ball Statistics

In T20 internationals, Pant has played 76 matches and 66 innings, scoring 1,209 runs at an average of 23.25 and a strike rate of over 127, with only three fifties to his name.

In ODIs, he has accumulated 871 runs in 31 matches at an average of 33.50, with a strike rate of over 106, including one century and five fifties.

His last appearance in white-ball formats for India was during the 2024 tour of Sri Lanka. Since then, KL Rahul has established himself in ODIs, while Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson have emerged as key wicketkeeper-batter options following a stellar T20 World Cup, where Samson was named 'Player of the Tournament' after scoring 321 runs, including three half-centuries.

Impressive Test Cricket Record

Despite his struggles in limited-overs formats, Pant has excelled in Test cricket, amassing 3,476 runs in 49 matches and 86 innings, with an average of 42.91 and a strike rate of 74.24. His record includes eight centuries and 18 fifties, showcasing impactful performances across various conditions.