The decline of Rishabh Pant in T20 cricket has been a topic of much discussion and concern for Indian cricket fans. Once hailed as a fearless six-hitter and a potential T20 superstar, Pant's journey in the IPL has been a rollercoaster of brilliance and inconsistency. The question on everyone's mind is: what has happened to Rishabh Pant in T20s?
Personally, I think the answer lies in a combination of factors, including a shift in his role, the pressure of captaincy, and a broader trend in white-ball cricket. In my opinion, the story of Pant's decline is a fascinating one, and it raises important questions about the nature of cricket and the expectations placed on players.
The Rise of a Match-Winner
Rishabh Pant's breakthrough IPL season came in 2018, when he dismantled bowling attacks for Delhi Capitals, scoring 684 runs in 14 innings at an average of 52.61 and a strike rate above 173. This was the kind of season that convinced many that Indian cricket had found its next great T20 superstar. But, as we know, the script has flipped dramatically.
Today, Pant is regarded as one of India's greatest match-winners in Test cricket, producing unforgettable knocks overseas and redefining the role of a wicketkeeper-batter in the longest format. However, in white-ball cricket, especially T20s, inconsistency has increasingly become a concern.
The Struggle in T20s
The struggles have become even more evident in IPL 2026, with LSG enduring a disastrous campaign. Although Thursday's win kept their slim playoff hopes alive, Pant's own form has mirrored the team's decline for most of the season. In ten matches this season, Pant has scored 236 runs at an average of 29.50 and a strike rate of 139.64.
For a batter once known for his explosive strokeplay, the numbers underline a sharp dip in impact. He has hit only 23 fours and nine sixes, while his lone half-century came in a scratchy, unbeaten 68 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Even in innings where Pant has hinted at rediscovering his touch, he has struggled to convert starts into match-winning knocks.
The Broader Trend
Pant's struggles in franchise cricket have also coincided with a dip in India's white-ball setup. In 76 T20Is, Pant has scored 1,209 runs at an average of 23.25 and a strike rate of just over 127, with only three half-centuries. His ODI numbers are better - 871 runs in 31 matches at an average of 33.50 - but he has not played white-ball cricket for India since the 2024 Sri Lanka tour.
Since then, KL Rahul has strengthened his place in India's ODI side, while Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson have moved ahead in the T20 pecking order. Samson, in particular, cemented his position after a sensational T20 World Cup campaign in which he scored 321 runs and won the Player of the Tournament award. This raises a deeper question: is the T20 format becoming less forgiving for players like Pant, who rely on their natural talent and aggressive style?
The Pressure of Captaincy
Irfan Pathan, a former India all-rounder and JioHotstar expert, has admitted that Pant's struggles over the last couple of seasons have been disappointing, especially considering the expectations surrounding him as both player and captain. In my opinion, the pressure of captaincy has undoubtedly played a role in Pant's decline.
When you are the main player, when a franchise spends that kind of money on you at the auction, they expect performances that win games single-handedly. But that has not happened with Rishabh Pant, and he is under pressure. The question is: can Pant handle the pressure, or will it ultimately lead to his downfall?
The Way Forward
As we look to the future, it is clear that Pant needs to find his form and confidence. The question is: can he do it in time for the next mega auction? In my opinion, the answer lies in a combination of factors, including a shift in his role, a change in his approach, and a broader trend in white-ball cricket. Only time will tell if Pant can rediscover his T20 glory and reclaim his place as one of India's greatest match-winners.
