Rishabh Pant's Pivotal Season: A Decade of Cricket and Comebacks
Rishabh Pant is now entering his 10th year in international cricket, a journey marked by relentless debate and unwavering public fascination. Even during his absences from the Indian team, fans and media remain fixated on his every move. Recently, videos of his practice sessions in Mumbai and Chennai ignited social media, mere days after India's historic defense of the T20 World Cup title. This year, starting with the Indian Premier League (IPL), could be transformative for the wicketkeeper-batter.
A Crucial IPL for World Cup Aspirations
Since India's T20 World Cup triumph in June 2024, Pant has not been a permanent fixture in the white-ball squads. Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, he has featured in only two T20Is and one ODI, primarily serving as the backup wicketkeeper in the 50-over format. With India now building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, a strong IPL 2025 campaign is essential for Pant to solidify his position ahead of competitors like Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson.
His preparations have been meticulous. After recovering from a side strain in January, Pant traveled nationwide seeking high-quality practice. Beyond merely fighting for his spot or justifying his IPL price tag, his focus has deepened. A significant part of this involved spending four intense days with former cricketing great Yuvraj Singh in Mumbai.
Mentorship and Mental Fortitude
While others like Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have worked with Yuvraj on technical adjustments, Pant's goal was different: to clear mental cobwebs. The bond between Pant and Yuvraj, strengthened since Pant's horrific car accident in December 2022, is rooted in shared resilience. Both have faced life-threatening challenges and returned to represent India against all odds, fostering a common philosophical outlook on life and sport.
For Pant, time with Yuvraj was less about technique and more about reaffirming his approach. Those familiar with his routine note his punishing training ethic, both on and off the field. An example: Lucknow Super Giants shared a video showing young batter Mukul Choudhary waiting nearly two hours for Pant to finish net practice. Former strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai recalled how Pant would drag him to the gym during free moments, disregarding workload management protocols during last year's ICC Champions Trophy.
A History of Resilient Comebacks
Former national selector Devang Gandhi, who helped fast-track Pant's career, highlights his knack for bouncing back. "He has always been under intense scrutiny," Gandhi told TOI. "But he has made stirring comebacks. He helped India win the Test series in Australia in 2020-21 after being benched for most of the tour. He had a cracking IPL post-accident before making the 2024 T20 World Cup team. And he excelled in Tests in England after a tough series in Australia and a modest IPL. These signs point to immense mental strength."
This season, Pant is expected to bat at No. 3 for LSG, a shift from last year's forgettable lower-order stint. This move aligns with his role at No. 3 in the T20 World Cup under Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, puzzling experts who questioned his previous positioning. Gandhi advises: "He needs to face more balls per innings and minimize risky shots like reverse sweeps and ramps. His solid technique handles pace and bounce well, which is vital for South African conditions. Social media videos suggest he's trusting his basics, and Yuvraj's mentorship will undoubtedly aid him."
The Road Ahead: Execution and Redemption
Pant enters IPL 2025 with rare luxury for an Indian cricketer: ample time to refine his game and fresh legs. The groundwork is complete; now, execution is key to reclaiming his spot in India's white-ball setup. As he navigates this defining year, his resilience, mentorship, and unwavering work ethic could pave the way for another remarkable chapter in his storied career.
