Image: After a disappointing performance, Rishabh Pant becomes the target of fan trolling / © Deccan Herald
Once the innings of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) got underway in their IPL 2025 clash against Punjab Kings, fans had high expectations from their captain, Rishabh Pant. However, disappointment followed as Pant managed to score just 2 runs off 5 balls before being caught by Yuzvendra Chahal off Glenn Maxwell’s bowling. His early dismissal left LSG struggling at 35/3 within the first five overs, putting the team under immense pressure. Pant, the most expensive player of IPL 2025, was bought for a record-breaking INR 27 crore in the auction, making him the costliest acquisition of the season.
However, his performances so far have failed to justify the massive price tag. Across three matches, Pant has accumulated only 17 runs at a dismal average of 5.66 and a strike rate of just 65.38. His underwhelming form has led to intense trolling from fans, who have taken to social media to criticize his performances. Many have questioned LSG’s decision to invest so heavily in him, with some even joking that franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka might soon have to intervene with one of his trademark motivational talks.
After being the most expensive buy in the IPL 2025 auction at ₹27 crore, Rishabh Pant is facing intense trolling following his poor performance in a recent match. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain managed just 2 runs off 5 balls, which led to fans mocking his earlier comments about being relieved that Punjab Kings (PBKS) didn’t acquire him.
Before the season, Pant had revealed that he was anxious on the auction day, fearing that PBKS, who had the biggest purse and might sign him. However, once Punjab spent ₹26.75 crore on Shreyas Iyer, Pant felt confident about joining LSG. His statement, “I only had one tension, that was Punjab (laughs). They had the highest purse. When Shreyas went to Punjab, I felt I could make it to LSG. There was a possibility. But eventually, with the auction you never know, so I just thought I would wait and watch, and had my fingers crossed”, has now backfired as fans use it to troll him after his underwhelming start.
LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka has reaffirmed his confidence in Pant, emphasizing that the team’s strategy was built around him. Goenka believes that as Pant regains his form, the team’s performance will improve, ultimately making him an even stronger player.
“The amount of strategising that was done revolved around Rishabh, it was done keeping him in mind”, Goenka mentioned while confirming Pant as the captain. “I think time will prove that he is not only the most expensive player of IPL, but also the best player of IPL”.
However, his struggles at the crease have drawn criticism, especially from Punjab fans, who are enjoying the irony of his situation. As IPL 2025 progresses, all eyes will be on Pant to justify his record-breaking price tag and prove his doubters wrong.
Once the innings of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant ended in disappointment, social media erupted with criticism. Pant, the most expensive player of IPL 2025 at ₹27 crore, managed just 2 runs off 5 balls before falling to Glenn Maxwell in the 5th over against Punjab Kings. His underwhelming performance continued a string of low scores, fueling fan frustration.
On platforms like X, users mocked Pant’s struggles, with some calling him the “most overrated player” and others suggesting that LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka might already regret the massive investment. Some even humorously predicted that Goenka, known for his intense pep talks, might soon intervene with a stern discussion. Pant’s form has been a major talking point this season, with fans questioning whether he justifies his hefty price tag.
In three matches so far, he has failed to deliver a single impactful inning, leading to increased scrutiny. Memes and sarcastic remarks flooded the internet, with some even stating that his performances were becoming too poor to criticize and hence he should take some responsibility while batting for the Lucknow Super Giants. With growing pressure, Pant will need a turnaround soon to silence critics and justify LSG’s trust in him.