Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025 campaign has been far from ideal. Heading into the final stages of the tournament, the dynamic left-hander had managed just 135 runs in 12 matches, leaving fans and critics alike questioning both his form and leadership. As the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) found themselves out of the playoff race, Pant appeared burdened, his body language reflecting a lack of confidence and rhythm with the bat.
But in a rare moment of brilliance against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Pant offered a glimpse of the magic that once made him one of the most feared batters in the format. Facing Kagiso Rabada in the final over, Pant unleashed a no-look six that sent ripples through the crowd and stunned the fielding side.
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With a subtle shuffle to the leg side, he effortlessly flicked a length ball over deep backward square leg, leaving Rabada and skipper Shubman Gill in disbelief.
Don’t 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 away as it’s a no 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 shot 🙅
Trademark Rishabh Pant on display 🔥
Updates ▶ https://t.co/NwAHcYJT2n #TATAIPL | #GTvLSG pic.twitter.com/Erchp8BZg5
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 22, 2025
The audacity of the shot was classic Pant—intuitive, fearless, and flamboyant. Though brief, his six-ball 16-run cameo was a reminder of what he’s capable of when in flow, and could serve as a confidence booster ahead of his international commitments.
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Unfortunately for LSG, Pant’s fleeting brilliance came too late in a season marred by inconsistency. After being bought for a massive ₹27 crore at the mega auction, expectations were sky-high. But the investment has not paid off, with Pant managing only 151 runs across 13 games at a dismal average of 13.73. His underwhelming performances also impacted his captaincy, as LSG failed to find rhythm and eventually bowed out of the playoff race.
As the IPL winds down, Pant will hope that this late spark reignites his confidence for bigger battles ahead.
