Sourav Ganguly raises concerns over Rishabh Pant’s T20 adaptation and leadership – Sourav Ganguly Questions Rishabh Pant’s T20 Adaptation and Captaincy Struggles
Rishabh Pant, once hailed as one of the most explosive talents in modern cricket, finds himself at a crossroads. Despite being snapped up by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record-breaking INR 27 crore, Pant has been mired in a prolonged dip in form—both as a batter and as a captain.
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Ganguly Voices Concern Over Pant’s T20 Transition
In a recent interview with Times of India, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his reservations about Pant’s ongoing struggles in the shortest format. While acknowledging Pant’s brilliance in Test cricket, Ganguly highlighted a growing issue: the wicketkeeper-batter has yet to master the unique demands of T20 cricket.
“He’s a very good Test player. His Test match batting is world-class. He’s still finding it tough to adapt to T20 cricket. I hope he does because he’s got enormous talent. Captaincy is a burden on everyone. It’s how you handle it. But then you want to be captain, don’t you? You want to be captain because it’s a huge honour. So you will have to get that balance right. You do it, or somebody else will.”
Captaincy Woes at Lucknow Super Giants
Pant served as LSG’s captain during the IPL 2025 and 2026 seasons. Over those two campaigns, the team played 28 matches, securing only 10 wins against 18 losses—a win percentage of just 35.7%. The 2025 season saw them finish seventh, while in 2026, they ended as the bottom-placed team in the ten-team league.
The dip in team performance mirrors Pant’s individual struggles. In IPL 2025, he scored 269 runs at an average of 24.45. A marginal improvement came in 2026, where he made 312 runs in 13 innings at an average of 28.36—still below the standards expected of a marquee player.
Form, Fitness, and Pressure: A Perfect Storm
Several factors have contributed to Pant’s inconsistency. Repeated injuries have disrupted his momentum, robbing him of crucial match practice and rhythm. Each comeback has been followed by a shaky start, making it difficult to regain confidence.
Beyond physical fitness, the added responsibility of captaincy appears to have weighed heavily. Leading a franchise in the IPL is no small task. The dual demands of tactical leadership and consistent personal performance often prove too much for even seasoned players.
- 2025 Season: 269 runs, avg. 24.45
- 2026 Season: 312 runs, avg. 28.36
- Career IPL Stats: 3,865 runs in 136 innings, avg. 33.60
- Captaincy Record: 10 wins in 28 matches
His overall IPL average stands at a respectable 33.60, but his recent numbers fall short of that benchmark—raising concerns about his adaptability in a rapidly evolving format.
Can Pant Turn the Tide?
Pant’s talent is beyond dispute. His fearless strokeplay, sharp wicketkeeping, and flair under pressure made him a fan favorite. But in T20 cricket, consistency and temperament under pressure are just as critical as raw skill.
As Ganguly pointed out, the desire to lead must be matched with the ability to manage the burden. For Pant, the path forward may require stepping back from leadership to refocus on his batting—a move that could benefit both his personal form and the team’s long-term strategy.
With the next IPL season on the horizon, all eyes will be on whether Pant can rediscover his spark, shed the weight of expectations, and prove that he’s not just a Test-match sensation but a complete T20 package.
