Major Weakness Exposed in Rishabh Pant’s T20 Approach, Says Wasim Jaffer: "Needs to Avoid Getting Stuck"

Despite a promising individual performance against Chennai Super Kings, Rishabh Pant's struggles in the T20 format have come under the scanner. Former India opener Wasim Jaffer highlighted a critical flaw in Pant’s batting his inability to rotate strike consistently.

PANT FINDS FORM, BUT LSG FALL SHORT AGAINST CSK

Heading into the clash against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings, Rishabh Pant had a dismal start to the IPL 2025 season, managing just 40 runs across six matches. The left-hander, however, showed signs of returning to form with a 63-run knock off 49 deliveries. Unfortunately for the Lucknow Super Giants, Pant's effort was in vain as CSK chased down 166 with five wickets in hand and three balls to spare.

DOT BALL STRUGGLES: A CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Pant’s innings included 21 dot balls  a worrying statistic in a T20 game which prompted Wasim Jaffer to raise concerns about his approach. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s ‘Timeout’, Jaffer pointed out Pant’s lack of intent to rotate the strike.

> “I don't know whether he even looks to rotate the strike. Virat Kohli is a master at it he gets off strike so easily because he can play all around the wicket. But Pant gets stuck at times, and that’s where problems begin. Then he ends up going for the big shot,” Jaffer said.

LEG-SIDE BIAS AND PREDICTABILITY

Jaffer also critiqued Pant's shot selection and his predictable leg-side preference. According to Jaffer, Pant avoids playing down the ground and instead targets areas like square leg and cow corner far too often.

> “He rarely looks to hit straight. That one six down the ground came right at the end. Otherwise, his default shots are towards the leg side, or occasionally a reverse scoop. Teams are catching on and setting their fielders accordingly,” he added.

LOWEST DOT-BALL PERCENTAGE DESPITE STRUGGLES

Interestingly, despite the criticism, Pant currently holds the lowest dot-ball percentage (48.48%) among all IPL 2025 batters who have faced at least 50 deliveries a statistic that suggests his intent to score is there but not always effective, especially against spinners like Noor Ahmad, who had him in trouble during the CSK match.

TACTICAL BLUNDER: BISHNOI NOT USED AGAINST DHONI

The loss also sparked debate over LSG's tactical choices. Ravi Bishnoi, one of the team’s premier spinners, bowled just three overs and was not brought back when MS Dhoni  known for his vulnerability against spin was at the crease. The move puzzled analysts and fans alike, especially as Dhoni, along with Shivam Dube, sealed the match with a 57-run unbeaten partnership.

LSG’S CAMPAIGN SO FAR AND WHAT LIES AHEAD

This was LSG’s third defeat in seven games. With 8 points on the board, they currently sit fourth on the IPL 2025 points table. Rishabh Pant and his team will now look to bounce back when they take on Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, April 19.