Rishabh Pant in IPL 2025: A Season of High Expectations, Controversy, and Criticism

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been nothing short of dramatic, with intense on-field battles, strategic team maneuvers, and off-field controversies shaping the tournament’s narrative. One of the biggest talking points this year has been Rishabh Pant’s transition to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), a move that was expected to bolster the team’s performance but has instead been mired in controversies and criticisms.

Pant’s Record-Breaking Price Tag at the IPL 2025 Auction

Before the season even began, Rishabh Pant made headlines with his astronomical bid at the IPL 2025 mega auction. LSG acquired Pant for ₹27 crore, making him one of the most expensive players in IPL history. This signing was met with mixed reactions—while some believed Pant’s explosive batting and leadership skills would elevate LSG, others questioned whether the team had overpaid for a player who was still finding his rhythm after recovering from injuries.

LSG’s investment in Pant was not just about his batting prowess; they also saw in him a leader who could drive the team forward in high-pressure matches. But as the season unfolded, things did not go as planned.

Pre-Season Controversy: Pant’s Dig at Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Even before he played his first match for LSG, Pant found himself at the center of controversy. During an interview about the auction, he candidly expressed his apprehension about being picked by Punjab Kings (PBKS), stating:

“I only had one tension, that was Punjab.”

This remark, though possibly made in jest, did not sit well with PBKS fans. Many perceived it as an insult to their team, questioning why Pant was so averse to joining them. The backlash on social media was immediate, with PBKS supporters calling out Pant for his comment. Some even accused him of disrespecting a franchise that has consistently backed young Indian talent.

PBKS did not let the remark slide. They waited for the perfect moment to respond—and they found it when they defeated LSG convincingly later in the season.

Pant’s Underwhelming Performance and LSG’s Struggles

As the IPL 2025 season got underway, Pant’s form became a concern. Despite his reputation as an aggressive batsman, he struggled to make a significant impact in crucial matches. His performance in LSG’s 8-wicket defeat against PBKS was particularly disappointing, considering the pre-season controversy.

Here’s a look at Pant’s numbers in IPL 2025 so far:

• Matches Played: 6
• Runs Scored: 128
• Strike Rate: 121.4
• Average: 21.3
• Highest Score: 42

While these stats aren’t terrible, they are far from the expectations that come with a ₹27 crore price tag. Fans and analysts began questioning whether LSG had made a costly mistake in investing so heavily in Pant.

A Turning Point: PBKS’s Perfect Response

After LSG’s crushing defeat at the hands of PBKS, the Punjab franchise seized the moment to take a dig at Pant. They posted a cheeky social media post that read:

“Tension Auction Mein Khatam.” (Tension ended at the auction.)

This direct response to Pant’s earlier comment quickly went viral, with PBKS fans celebrating the moment as poetic justice. The post garnered thousands of likes, shares, and memes, further fueling the rivalry between the two teams.

LSG fans, on the other hand, were left frustrated, not just by the loss but also by Pant’s inability to back his words with performance.

Fan Reactions: Social Media Erupts

The internet is never short of opinions, especially when it comes to IPL controversies. After PBKS’s victory and their social media jibe, fans flooded Twitter and Instagram with reactions:

🔥 "Pant wanted to avoid Punjab, but Punjab avoided Pant on the field!"
😂 "27 crores for this? LSG should ask for a refund."
💔 "I feel bad for LSG fans. This season is not going the way they expected."

Some Pant supporters, however, defended him, arguing that he’s still returning to peak form after a long injury layoff. They pointed out that even the best players have rough patches and that it’s unfair to judge him based on a few bad games.

What’s Next for Rishabh Pant and LSG?

With the IPL 2025 season still in progress, Pant has time to turn things around. However, the pressure is mounting. Here’s what he needs to focus on:

Regaining Form: Pant must step up and deliver match-winning performances. A few big innings can quickly silence critics and justify his price tag.

Handling Criticism Gracefully: Whether it’s the PBKS incident or social media backlash, Pant needs to be careful with his statements and let his bat do the talking.

Leadership: As a senior player, he must inspire LSG’s young talent and create a winning environment in the dressing room.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how Pant responds to this adversity. Will he rise to the challenge, or will this season be remembered as one of the biggest disappointments of his career?

Only time will tell.

Final Thoughts

The IPL is not just about cricket—it’s about stories, rivalries, and emotions. Rishabh Pant’s journey this season has been a rollercoaster, from being the costliest player to facing criticism and social media trolling. His redemption arc, if it comes, could be one of the most thrilling narratives of IPL 2025.

For now, though, the tension between Pant, LSG, and PBKS has added spice to an already exciting tournament, proving once again why the IPL remains the most thrilling cricket league in the world.

What do you think? Will Pant bounce back and prove his worth, or has LSG made a mistake with their ₹27 crore investment? Let us know in the comments! 🏏🔥