Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2025: Big Price, Small Returns for Lucknow Super Giants

Rishabh Pant’s record-breaking ₹27 crore signing by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was the headline of the IPL 2025 auction. But as the season unfolded, the most expensive player in IPL history struggled to justify his price tag, leaving fans and the franchise disappointed.

The Bidding War and Sky-High Expectations

The IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah saw LSG outbid Delhi Capitals for Pant, pushing the price to an unprecedented ₹27 crore. The move was seen as a statement of intent, with LSG banking on Pant’s explosive batting and leadership to transform their fortunes.

The Reality: Underwhelming Returns

Despite the hype, Pant’s performances for LSG in IPL 2025 fell short of expectations. His runs dried up at crucial moments, and his impact as a leader was questioned as the team struggled to find consistency. Social media buzzed with criticism, with many labeling Pant as the “₹27 crore flop.”

What Went Wrong?

Several factors contributed to Pant’s disappointing season:

1. Pressure of the Price Tag: The record fee brought immense scrutiny and pressure, which seemed to affect Pant’s natural game.
2. Team Balance Issues: LSG’s heavy investment in Pant left less room for strengthening other key areas, especially the bowling attack.
3. Leadership Challenges: Pant’s captaincy decisions were often questioned, and the team’s morale appeared to dip after a string of losses.

The Aftermath for LSG

LSG’s gamble on Pant backfired, with the team missing out on the playoffs and facing tough questions about their auction strategy. Owner Sanjiv Goenka’s on-field confrontations with Pant became a talking point, symbolizing the frustration within the camp.

Despite the massive expectations, Pant managed just 135 runs in 12 matches this season, averaging just 12.27 with a strike rate of 100. He could only register a single half-century, and his highest score was only 63, underlining his struggles with the bat.

Lessons for Future Auctions

Pant’s IPL 2025 journey is a cautionary tale about the risks of big-money signings. For LSG and other franchises, it’s a reminder that star power and past heroics don’t always guarantee success on the field.

*Stay tuned to FatMarathoner.com for more honest takes and in-depth analysis on IPL 2025 and beyond.*