India's Test captaincy is a major point of debate for fans and the BCCI, particularly following the retirement of Rohit Sharma. With the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle currently underway, beginning with a five-match series in England in June 2025, the race to replace Rohit Sharma is officially on. Three players stand out—Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant—and have their own very different positives and negatives.

1. Shubman Gill—The Emerging Leader

Shubmanl, 25, is one of the country's brightest young batters. He has played 22 tests for 1,325 runs at a 32.31 average, 4 centuries, and 1 double century. He has led Gujarat Titans in the IPL, and everyone views him as a potential future leader. He struggled to be consistent in the last series against Australia. The selection committee might still consider developing Gill to lead India as a long-term captain, as he has a leader's temperament and is still young.

2. KL Rahul—The Experienced Campaigner

KL Rahul, 33, has been a reliable part of Indian cricket, as he has led the Test team before, and he has played in 52 tests and scored 2,993 runs at a 33.25 average, and scored 7 centuries and 13 fifties. He has captained India in three Test matches in the past and won two. Injuries and inconsistent play hindered his ability to build on momentum, but Rahul's coolness under pressure would be a tremendous help when faced with tough playing conditions abroad (i.e., England).

Also Read: T20 Mumbai League 2025 auction: List of players sold, top bids and full team news

3. Rishabh Pant—The X-Factor

Rishabh Pant, Pant, 27, has established himself as one of India’s most influential players in the Test arena. He has played 33 matches and scored 2271 runs at a 43.67 average, with 5 centuries and 11 fifties. Some of his memorable innings in Australia and England have defined him as a cricketer, and he certainly embodies the aggressive nature of a modern-day batsman who changes games with his fearless brand of cricket. Despite a long injury layoff, Pant’s return to competitive cricket and leadership stints with Delhi Capitals in the IPL put him firmly in contention. Former players and fans alike have rallied behind him as a bold, dynamic captaincy choice.

Following Rohit Sharma's retirement, the issue of the captaincy has emerged as Indian cricket's most debated topic. Will the selectors choose Gill's potential, Rahul's consistency, or Pant's exuberance? The choice will define India's Test journey's next chapter.

After spending crores of rupees in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) downfall in the season has become a talking point among cricket fans. After making a promising start, they couldn't sustain their balance, and now they are experiencing a downfall from the cliff.

Punjab Kings caused Lucknow Super Giants their third defeat in a row, 6 in total out of 11 matches they have played. The team from Lucknow still left some room to try their fortune for a playoff spot, but their body language on the field said differently.

Expand views beyond on-field performances; former India international Mohammad Kaif is concerned about the team's dressing room atmosphere. Kaif pointed out a probable distance between coaching staff and players, especially the former cricketer said about LSG mentor Zaheer Khan and head coach Justin Langer. He pointed out a possible ill relation between those two.

Read More: Andre Russell gets surprise offer from Sourav Ganguly after blistering knock against RR

Viewers often saw that Zaheer Khan was having a conversation with Rishabh Pant, but Langer was not visible there; that makes Kaif's claim more sensible.

LSG should short out their problems before RCB match 

According to him, "Zaheer and Langer don’t talk and sit together. They spoke to players differently. I know when you are a new group, it takes time to gel, but surprisingly, they don’t get involved despite being a part of the core group. It is the business end of the tournament, and you should work closely."

Lucknow Super Giants will play their next match on May 9 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The Rishabh Pant-led side is currently in 7th place with 10 points after 11 games. 

In match 54 of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings battersre at the top of their game, posting 236 runs on the scoreboard, which proved beyond LSG's range. Lucknow Super Giants pushed hard but got only 199 runs in the 20-over limit. 37 runs separated both teams on May 4. Prabhsimran Singh was awarded the man of the match award for his 91-run innings. 

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant's performance in IPL 2025 has drawn criticism, and former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has come out in the open to criticize Pant for his obstinacy in his batting style and position. Pant, who was acquired at a whopping ₹27 crore at the auction, has not lived up to expectations with both bat and as captain.

Pant has made only 128 runs in 10 innings this season, with a run of poor form that includes six single-digit scores and just one half-century. While LSG had a great start to the season, Pant's failure to score runs was not noticed at first, but as the team's campaign has begun to falter, his performance is being scrutinized intensely. Against Punjab Kings in a recent match, while pursuing a massive 237, Pant could muster 18 runs from 17 deliveries before mistiming a big hit and losing his wicket—citing him for criticism from Rayudu.

Also read: SRH vs DC : Match 55 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

Talking on a sports program, Rayudu commented, "I think he's being quite obstinate about how he wants to do things. It's not going in his favor right now." He further added that Pant needs to admit that he is struggling and experiment with new ways rather than sticking to a failed recipe. Rayudu also expressed doubt over Pant's middle-order credentials and suggested that he would be more effective as an opener in T20 cricket, citing that he lacks the proper mindset to regulate the game from No. 4.

Rayudu calls it out. Pant stays firm. But is stubbornness costing India a match-winner?"#RishabhPant #Rayudu #IndianCricket #CricketTwitter #ODI

Read more https://t.co/6kDzosIJK5

— Brinks Report (@brinksreportcom) May 5, 2025

Also read: MI vs GT : Match 56 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

Rishabh Pant’s Scores in IPL 2025:

• vs PBKS: 18 (17 balls)
• vs MI: 4 (2 balls)
• vs DC: 0 (2 balls)
• vs RR: 3 (9 balls)
• vs CSK: 63 (49 balls)
• vs GT: 21 (18 balls)
• vs KKR: 0 (0 balls)
• vs MI: 2 (6 balls)
• vs PBKS: 2 (5 balls)
• vs SRH: 15 (15 balls)

With only 10 points from 11 matches and a poor net run rate of -0.469, LSG must win all their remaining games and hope for favorable results elsewhere. For that to happen, Pant’s form must improve rapidly.

During the game against Mumbai Indians, Rishabh Pant as a captain seemed clueless and was slow in decision-making as the LSG bowlers completed the first innings within two hours. A T20 innings usually takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete, but the Lucknow team took 20 minutes more and their captain might have to bear the ire of IPL.

The governing body of the IPL has been typically firm in its decisions and Pant may be fined heavily for the slow over-rate Vs MI. Interestingly, this may be Pant's second such offense, with the first also against Mumbai on April 4. The last time he was fined 12 lakhs, but if he is punished again, the fine amount may be higher.

As the season unfolds, Pant and LSG will need to make a concerted effort to improve their time management. The captain's quick and efficient handling of on-field strategies will be crucial to staying away from additional fines, and more significantly, preventing his team from losing out on valuable moments in close matches. With the heat on, Pant will have to weigh his fiery leadership against a keener emphasis on discipline in order to lead his team to the playoffs in IPL 2025.

Also read: 'Jaha matter bade hote hai waha Kohli khade hote hai' - Fans react as Virat Kohli score match winning half century against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025

MI post commanding 215/7

Placed in to bat first, Mumbai Indians put up a commanding 215/7. The rampage was spearheaded by Ryan Rickelton, who hit a sparkling fifty and provided a blazing beginning to the team. The responsibility was taken forward by Suryakumar Yadav, who also hit 54 off 28 balls and assisted the team in putting up a well-composed total.

In response, LSG began on a belligerent note as Mitch Marsh and Aiden Markram both began with an onslaught of boundaries, but Jasprit Bumrah did the damage and got the risky Markram out for 9 off 11 balls as the team still needs 178 runs for victory.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) paid ₹27 crore for Rishabh Pant in the IPL 2025 auction; now that has generated some serious debate. Pant's pedigree as a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter is an established reputation - but how much kick would LSG get for that sort of money for his showing so far this season?

Pant Batting Performance and Stats

In 9 matches, Pant has accumulated 106 runs at an average of 13.25 and a strike rate of 96.36 from 110 balls! For a player of his ability and value, this is pretty pathetic. He's probably getting out for low scores far too often, and with a highest score probably below 50 (clearly, he has no 100 or 50). From a T20 perspective, a strike rate of under 100 is pitiful and indicates that he is not aggressive enough when it really matters. This is a million miles away from his IPL 2018 best (684 runs, 52.61 average, 170+ strike rate). Personally, I believe it is a period of rustiness after a long absence from the game or adjusting to LSG's setup from a batting perspective. Regardless, the output is certainly not reflective of the value for money spent thus far (if it continues).

Cost-Per-Run Analysis: Based on the ₹27 crore price tag for 106 runs overall, the cost per run is mind-boggling. It sounds outlandish, but the formula for calculation would be to divide the price by runs: ₹27,00,00,000 ÷ 106 = ₹25,47,169 per run on average, which is complete madness. This is unfathomable when LSG has retained players in the auction, such as Nicholas Pooran (₹21 crore), who have produced significantly higher run totals historically, making Pant's current par performance a huge gamble financially.

Also Read: Cricket fraternity unites to slam Pahalgam attack—Powerful stand against terror

Pant Captaincy Assessment

Pant’s captaincy has been described as “okayish,” with the LSG's bowlers Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, and Shardul Thakur being the ones who won the matches. With injuries to fast bowlers Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan restricting resources, LSG managed to win matches, including a nail-biter of a finish with a win over Rajasthan Royals by 2 runs with a fantastic bowling performance from Avesh Khan of 3/37. The strategic thinking was hit and miss with match and bowler strategies as well as other rotations of bowlers that receive criticism for unclear thinking. The captaincy style has been proactive using communication; however, the style has not translated into team or individual performance, as noted in the mid-table position of LSG. While he could have learned key parts of captaincy during his time as captain of Delhi Capitals, the contributions from the bowler have been far stronger than the leadership elements from Pant. 

In the first game against Delhi Capital, LSG scored 209 in a loss by one wicket, where Pant put too much faith in Ravi Bishnoi, who conceded 17 runs in the 18th over. Against DC, once again batting at No. 7, Pant was out for a duck and was criticized by Anil Kumble and Mark Boucher - the use of bowler resources was glaringly absent. After losing fast bowlers Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan, LSG was fighting with game resources to use Avesh Khan and succumbed to using Ravi Bishnoi, who took 7 wickets alone in T20 existence, and Shardul Thakur, who is able to cover for mistakes by Pant (using overs of Shardul). The utilization of Bishnoi spin and Thakur death bowling has played a big role​, masking Pant’s occasional lapses.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB vs RR Match 42—Chinnaswamy stadium stats and preview

Was It a Blunder?

With Pant's overall 106 runs at exorbitant costs-per-run value and as a not very effective captain, it begs the question whether LSG have effectively wasted ₹27 crore on a player who is 'passing' as a player. There is potential for a significantly better return on investment based on Pant's previous records, but only if he returns to playing at his previous level. LSG’s gamble hinges on Pant rediscovering his explosive batting to justify the price tag.

The ongoing IPL 2025 has turned out to be a nightmare for Rishabh Pant. The wicketkeeper batter, who is well established for his fearless batting style, a perfect fit for limited overs cricket, has yet to find a solution to stop his downfall in IPL 2025. When Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) cashed in 27 Cr for Pant in the mega auction, no one thought that he would fail to so a great extent. But why is Rishabh struggling so much with LSG? 

Against Delhi Capitals, when Pant tried to execute a reverse lap on Mukesh Kumar's delivery and was bowled out, he was clearly frustrated and angry. The right-handed batter came into the field to bat only for the last 2 balls, which was another shocker for cricket lovers. 

Rishabh Pant replaces KL Rahul for INR 27 crore— 27 crore itself can create humongous pressure on a player; maybe Pant has yet to learn how to handle money pressure and deliver on the pitch. 

Read More: Can Dale Steyn's prediction of SRH scoring 300 runs come true today in SRH vs MI game?

In the past, Harsha Bhogle once asked Rishabh Pant about his limited-overs cricket stats. Pant clearly said that at a young age, he did not feel the importance of comparing white ball and red ball stats. But at present, the question asked by Harsha turns more relevant as Pant misfired repeatedly in white-ball cricket. 

Rishabh last played his international T20 match back in 2024, against Sri Lanka. He had arguably a decent outing in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but could not make his way to the first XI of the Champions Trophy-winning side. Rohit Sharma led Team India to rely on KL Rahul when the matter was more serious. 

If we take a look at the last few matches Rishabh batted in, we can find that against in-form teams, he did not perform properly. 0 against Delhi Capitals (DC), 3 against Rajasthan 5 (RR), 21 against Gujarat Titans (GT), but he got 63 vs. a struggling Chennai Super Kings (CSK). 

Rishabh Pant in IPL 2025 so far

The 2025 IPL season has already provided plenty of thrilling cricket, with players showcasing remarkable performances across all facets of the game. One notable statistic that has captured attention is the number of dismissals effected by wicket-keepers. As we delve into this aspect, we highlight those players who have made a significant impact behind the stumps, contributing to their team's success with impressive wicket-keeping displays.

Interestingly, while many of these wicket-keepers are in the "0-5 range" for dismissals, their contributions have still been highly influential. Despite the relatively modest dismissal count, these players have demonstrated exceptional skills and composure behind the stumps, making them standout performers in IPL 2025. Their ability to read the game and execute key dismissals has played a pivotal role in their team's performance so far.

Top Dismissals in IPL 2025: Most dismissals for Rishabh Pant so far

• 5 - Rishabh Pant*
• 4 - Ishan Kishan 
• 4 - Quinton De Kock 
• 4 - Rachin Ravindra

1. Rishabh Pant (5 dismissals)

Rishabh Pant leads the list with 5 dismissals, continuing to establish himself as one of the most dynamic wicketkeepers in the IPL. While he's renowned for his aggressive batting, Pant has not let his wicketkeeping skills take a backseat. His performances behind the stumps have been crucial to his team's strategy. Whether it’s a quick stumping, a sharp catch, or a timely run-out opportunity, Pant has been consistently on point throughout the season. Known for his swashbuckling batting, Pant has proven to be a reliable wicketkeeper, making valuable contributions with the gloves and enhancing his team's performance.

2. Ishan Kishan (4 dismissals)

Ishan Kishan, the talented wicketkeeper-batter, has stood out in IPL 2025 with his all-around performance. With 4 dismissals so far, he has proven his worth behind the stumps as well as with the bat. His quick reflexes and ability to secure crucial dismissals have been vital to his team's performances. Known for his power-hitting at the top, Kishan has consistently delivered behind the stumps, making important contributions in the field while often going unnoticed.

See Also: PSL 2025: QUE vs KAR Prediction– Match 15, Who will win today?

3. Quinton de Kock (4 dismissals)

South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock continues to impress with his all-around skills in IPL 2025. With 4 dismissals so far, de Kock has proven to be a dependable asset for his team. His sharp reflexes and cricketing acumen make him a constant threat to opposing batters. Known for his composure under pressure, de Kock’s ability to execute stunning stumpings and catches has been a key factor in strengthening his team's fielding.

4. Rachin Ravindra (4 dismissals)

Rachin Ravindra, one of world cricket's most promising young talents, has made a mark in the 2025 IPL season with his all-rounder skills. The New Zealand cricketer has been impressive behind the stumps, recording 4 dismissals so far. Despite being new to the IPL, Ravindra’s quick reflexes and calm demeanor as a wicketkeeper have stood out. His performances behind the stumps demonstrate his readiness to rise to the occasion, with his key dismissals playing a crucial role in giving his team an edge over the opposition.

Rishabh Pant left fans scratching their heads during Lucknow Super Giant's innings against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. The match is being played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. LSG had a solid start with the bat. Openers Mitchell Marsh (45) and Aiden Markram (52) gave the team a flying start, adding 87 runs and putting Delhi under pressure early on. Nicholas Pooran came in at No.3, and everyone expected Pant to walk in next. After all, he usually bats at No.4.

But to everyone’s surprise, Abdul Samad came in at four. That move didn’t work out. Even after that, Pant didn’t come in. David Miller and Ayush Badoni were sent ahead of him. The LSG captain finally walked out to bat in the last over when only two balls were left in the innings. Unfortunately, it didn’t go well.

Pant missed the first ball while trying to charge down the pitch. On the second, he tried a reverse scoop, but the ball hit his pads and rolled onto the stumps. He was bowled for a two-ball duck. It was the first time in 113 IPL innings that Pant batted as low as No.7. The last time he batted that low was way back in his debut season in 2016.

LSG ended up scoring 159 runs. After the blazing start from the openers, they couldn’t keep the momentum going. Ayush Badoni’s unbeaten 36 helped them post a fighting total, but the middle-order slump and Pant’s late entry raised quite a few eyebrows.

ALSO READ: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Mukesh Kumar's pin-point yorker that destabilized LSG batting structure

Twitter reactions after Rishabh Pant Comes in at No.7 vs DC

Pant is now ready to take Thala's spot when he retires at CSK.

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) April 22, 2025

Rishabh Pant hided himself for 19.4 overs just to score 2 balls 🦆 pic.twitter.com/0ShQT2ApZS

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) April 22, 2025

Lsg bringing Rishabh Pant to bat 😭.#LSGvsDC #DCVSLSG pic.twitter.com/ZEl0Zkjvdi

— Ashish (@Ashishh_____) April 22, 2025

If hiding behind tailenders is an art, then Rishabh Pant is picasso of it 😂 pic.twitter.com/w58LcvnDl5

— Honest Dhoni Fan💛💛 (@WhistlePoduCsk7) April 22, 2025

Goenka waiting for Rishabh Pant in the dugout #LSGvDC pic.twitter.com/2LPCmIHnoz

— Sajcasm (@sajcasm_) April 22, 2025

We all owe Grandhi ji an apology for trolling him on releasing Rishabh Pant.

This man is a visionary. pic.twitter.com/XzYXXW5DyX

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) April 22, 2025

Rishabh pant - Biggest coward 😭
Like this tweet if you agree and I will give 1000 Rupees to everyone who likes this tweet 🙏 #LSGvsDC #DCvsLSG pic.twitter.com/L5ctVVNY1R

— Ashish (@Ashishh_____) April 22, 2025

Rishabh Pant getting ready to keep wickets for 20 overs after playing two dot balls and getting out on the second one #LSGvsDC pic.twitter.com/kKrq0BPMnn

— Shayarcaster (@shayarcaster) April 22, 2025

Rishabh Pant Pushing lower order batsmans before himself pic.twitter.com/bH3o8lB3Lh

— Davide (@Bruxismgums) April 22, 2025

Rishabh Pant's return to IPL 2025 with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has not been smooth sailing, as the explosive left-handed batsman is struggling with both form slump and injuries, which has hampered the team's run in the season quite drastically. Recently Pant was seen spotted with a bandaged palm, which raised the query of his fitness and availability for the future matches.
Until now, Pant's show has been anything but his best. In the eight matches LSG has played so far up to their current ninth fixture, Pant has not been able to make consistent contributions with the bat.

His scores thus far:

• 0 (6) against DC
• 15 (15) against SRH
• 2 (5) against PBKS
• 2 (6) against MI
• 21 (18) against GT
• 63 (49) against CSK (his only decent knock)
• 3 (9) against RR
• 0 (2) against DC (in the current day's match)

Also read: SRH vs MI : Match 41 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

In spite of LSG winning 5 of their initial 8 games, Pant's poor form is becoming a cause for concern with the business end of the tournament looming. His inability to get his timing and consistency right has denied LSG the sort of start or middle-order solidity Pant is capable of.
Now, with an apparent injury to his palm, there are doubts whether Pant should be rested or kept under close observation to avoid worsening the condition. For LSG to go deep into IPL 2025, they will require Pant to heal both physically and mentally to regain his match-winning touch.

Captain on the Field, but Not Batting

The captain of the Lucknow Super Giants, Rishabh Pant, is known for his aggressive batting, as well as for being alert when on the field. But when the Lucknow Super Giants played the Delhi Capitals in the latest IPL 2025 match, he shocked the crowd when he didn't bat, even though he was fit enough to continue wicket keeping and leading the side.

At the toss, Pant said his hand was alright and that the pitch would get better as the match progressed, causing everyone to think he would be an important factor with the bat. However, as the innings continued and wickets began to fall, there must have been a number of folks in the ground and viewers at home thinking when Pant was going to be bat. Surprise surprise he did not.

Fans went into a frenzy on social media, all asking one question: "Why didn't Rishabh Pant bat?". Some people thought he wasn't 100% fit, while others believed that he was being strategic, allowing the other power hitters to attempt to finish the game. There was no official reason given, which only resulted in more questions and buzz.

Also Read:-[Watch] IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant's Toss Talk Steals the Spotlight in LSG vs DC

Strategy, Injury or Mind Games? Fans Were Left to Wonder

As for experts, they were not unanimous in their opinion. While some thought that Pant was covering himself Experts were not unanimous. While some thought Pant was covering himself before more important games, others thought it was simply part of the game plan. Whatever the reason, Pant's absence in the batting lineup was the center of attention.

That he didn't play and yet dominated the conversation does speak volumes for his impact on the game. Whether it's his captaincy, his remarks on the toss, or the mere intrigue associated with his judgments, Rishabh Pant learns how to create high TRP and keep spectators glued.