Rishabh Pant's journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a rollercoaster, with his T20 career facing a pivotal moment. Once hailed as a fearless six-hitter, Pant's decline in T20 cricket has raised questions about his future in the format. Despite his remarkable success in Test cricket, where he's become a cornerstone of India's batting lineup, his white-ball career, particularly in T20s, has been marred by inconsistency.
The 2018 IPL season was a high point for Pant, where he dismantled bowling attacks for the Delhi Capitals, scoring 684 runs in 14 innings at an impressive average and strike rate. This performance solidified his status as a potential T20 superstar. However, since then, he's struggled to replicate that success, with his T20 numbers taking a sharp dip. In the 2026 IPL season, Pant's form has mirrored the team's decline, with his impact in T20s fading.
The numbers tell a story of a batter who once thrived on explosive strokeplay. In the current season, Pant has scored 236 runs in 10 matches, with an average of 29.50 and a strike rate of 139.64. This is a stark contrast to his previous seasons, where he struggled to cross the 500-run mark. His struggles have been evident in his batting positions, as he's been tried in different roles, from opener to No. 4, indicating a lack of clarity in his role.
The dip in form has coincided with a broader trend in India's white-ball setup. Pant's T20I numbers have been underwhelming, with 1,209 runs in 76 matches at an average of 23.25 and a strike rate of 127. In contrast, his ODI numbers are better, but he hasn't played white-ball cricket for India since the 2024 Sri Lanka tour. This has opened up opportunities for other players like KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson, who have moved ahead in the pecking order.
The pressure on Pant is palpable, especially with the high expectations that come with being a marquee player. Irfan Pathan, a former India all-rounder, acknowledges the disappointment surrounding Pant's struggles, particularly as a captain. He believes that Pant's inability to consistently single-handedly change games has led to pressure and scrutiny.
The question now is whether Pant can rediscover his T20 form and regain his status as a match-winner. With the IPL season ongoing, all eyes are on him to turn things around and prove his worth. The future of his T20 career hangs in the balance, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining his role in the Indian cricket team's white-ball setup.
