Faf Du Plessis Offers Insights on Rishabh Pant's T20 Performance
Du Plessis Analyzes Pant's T20 Challenges
Faf Du Plessis, the seasoned South African batsman, praised Rishabh Pant, the captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), for his impressive skill set and variety of shots. However, he pointed out that Pant's struggles in international T20 cricket stem from his tendency to be 'almost frantic' at times. Du Plessis advised the young wicketkeeper-batsman to avoid 'premeditating' his shots for improved consistency.
This IPL season is crucial for Pant, who rose to fame in the late 2010s thanks to his remarkable 360-degree hitting. Despite his potential, his T20I statistics are underwhelming, with only 1,209 runs from 66 innings, averaging 23.25 and a strike rate of 127.26, including three half-centuries. With India recently winning the T20 World Cup and other wicketkeeper-batters like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan stepping up, Pant finds himself lower in the T20I hierarchy, especially with the next World Cup cycle leading to 2028.
Last season's disappointing debut for LSG didn't help his case either. As the most expensive player in league history at Rs 27 crores, Pant's performance fell short of expectations, accumulating just 269 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.45 and a strike rate of 133.16, with a top score of 118* against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Du Plessis Discusses Pant's T20 Approach
During an appearance on JioStar's 'IPL Today Live', Du Plessis reflected on the stark difference between Pant's Test cricket consistency and his T20 performance. He expressed confusion over how a player with such a diverse range of shots struggles in T20s. Du Plessis noted that Pant's frantic style at the crease contributes to his inconsistency.
"Rishabh Pant possesses immense talent. When you observe his Test cricket, it's clear he has all the shots. However, I believe he has too many options in his mind, feeling he can hit a six off every delivery. In T20 cricket, a structured approach is essential. Great T20 players have a clear game plan and know where they can score and where their weaknesses lie," he explained.
"With Pant, it often feels like he’s on the edge, and he could get out at any moment due to his frantic nature. His T20 strike rate of around 130 is surprising for someone with his shot-making ability. Perhaps we expect him to replicate his Test performances in T20s, which isn't always feasible," he added.
Recommendation for Batting Order
Du Plessis suggested that given the LSG lineup, which includes explosive openers Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, along with Nicholas Pooran, Pant should ideally bat at number three. He stated, "The success Marsh and Markram had at the top last season likely means they will continue in that role. Therefore, Pant batting at number three could be beneficial. The statistics indicate that this position could help him perform at his best. I envision him at number three with Pooran moving down to number four."
He also commented on Pant's stroke play, describing it as 'all over the place.' Du Plessis emphasized that Pant needs to take time to develop a clear game plan and avoid premeditating his shots. "While he may hit some sixes and play a few good innings, he has the capability to adapt his game when bowlers target him wide. His approach should not be one-dimensional; he can score in various ways. It's crucial for him to focus on his initial six balls. I want him to evolve into a high-impact player who can significantly contribute to his team's success," he concluded.