Sports
Pant Faces Pressure to Justify ₹27 Crore Price Tag in IPL
Rishabh Pant, Lucknow Super Giants skipper, faces immense pressure to perform in the upcoming IPL 2026 season and justify his ₹27 crore price tag. According to Faf du Plessis, Pant's performance is critical for his future in Indian limited-overs cricket.
Rishabh Pant, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper, will play against Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 1, marking the beginning of their IPL 2026 campaign. The South African batting veteran, Faf du Plessis, commented on JioHotstar's 'Game Plan - Know Your Team' that Pant is under significant pressure this season. Pant became the most expensive player in the tournament last year, with LSG securing him for ₹27 crore. Du Plessis noted that some players thrive under pressure, while others do not. Pant's performance last season was underwhelming, especially considering his price tag. He scored 269 runs in 13 matches at an average of 24, with his century occurring after LSG was out of playoff contention.
Key Facts
- Rishabh Pant was acquired by LSG for ₹27 crore.
- Pant's performance in the previous season did not meet expectations.
- In 13 matches last season, Pant scored 269 runs with an average of 24.
- Faf du Plessis believes Pant is under pressure to perform this IPL season.
- Pant aims to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season.
- A strong IPL season could reinstate Pant as a top contender for India's limited-overs wicketkeeper-batter position.
- LSG will face Delhi Capitals on April 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- The Times of India — Rs 27 crore tag! Rishabh Pant 'under most pressure' in IPL 2026 | Cricket News - The Times of India
- newKerala.com — Du Plessis on Pant's Pressure & LSG's IPL 2026 Challenges
- Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd — IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant under most pressure to justify price tag, says Faf