Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rishabh Pant's woeful form continued in the ongoing 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season, as he was dismissed for just 18 runs against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday, May 04. Cricketer-turned-expert Virender Sehwag has advised the LSG skipper to have a word with his brother and mentor, MS Dhoni. Not only the former India captain but also legendary cricketer Shaun Pollock failed to find the right theory behind the LSG skipper's horrible run of form.
In a steep run-chase of 237 runs, the wicketkeeper batter could only score 18 runs off 17 balls, as LSG lost by 37 runs against PBKS in Dharamshala on Sunday. Pant, the highest IPL player ever, was bought by LSG for a whopping 27 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction and has so far only scored 128 runs from 11 innings at a dismal strike rate of 99. This has also been his worst performance in the IPL since his debut in 2016.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Sehwag has advised Rishabh Pant to revisit his old IPL clips to gain some confidence. The expert further stated that often minute changes in routine tend to distract run scoring.
"I think Rishabh Pant should watch his old IPL clips where he scored runs, and that will give him confidence. Many times, we tend to forget our routines because this Rishabh Pant is totally different from the one we saw before his injury. I remember back in 2006/07, when I was struggling with runs, I was dropped from the Indian team, and then Rahul Dravid told me to go back and check my routine from the days when I used to score runs. Sometimes, when there are disturbances in the routine, it affects the runs," he said.
Virender Sehwag wants Rishabh Pant to call MS Dhoni
Sehwag also wants the southpaw to call MS Dhoni and chat about his dismal return with bat in hand in the ongoing IPL 2025 season.
"Again, he does have a mobile, all he needs to pick up the phone and call someone. If you feel you are thinking negatively, there are so many cricketers you can discuss with. Dhoni is his role model, so he should call him. It will lighten him up," he added.
Pollock stated that the LSG captain might feel the absence of his Indian teammates in the team as one of the main reasons for his poor form.
"I am wondering what explanations you will give. Is he the kind of guy who is more of a homeboy and is missing the company of his fellow Indian players? He is surrounded by four international players. He doesn't have a mate if you want to put it that way. Is there someone, with whom he connects and who brings out that jovial side in him? I'm just trying to pluck on theories because he is affected and is not in his normal self," he said.
