Former South African cricket captain Faf du Plessis emphasized the importance of Rishabh Pant becoming a higher-impact player to establish consistency in the T20 format. As the upcoming IPL 2026 season approaches, the spotlight remains on Pant, who has proven himself in Test cricket but has not mirrored that success in white-ball formats. Pant’s last appearances for India in One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals were in 2024, and he finds himself sidelined since then.

Within the IPL framework, Pant has accumulated 3,553 runs across 125 matches, holding an average of 34.16 and a striking rate of 147.61. During the 2025 season, as captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), he scored 269 runs in 14 matches, which included a century in his final group match. However, his performance metrics revealed an average of 24.45 and a strike-rate exceeding 133.

Focus on Strategic Game Planning

Speaking in an interview, Du Plessis pointed out that Pant must develop a comprehensive game plan tailored for T20 cricket to enhance his chances of success. He remarked that Pant’s current approach resembles that of a high-impact player but requires refinement for improved results. “Rishabh Pant’s stroke play appears erratic at times, but there is a method and thought process behind it. He has a blueprint for his Test cricket strategy, which should also apply to T20,” Du Plessis explained. The former captain emphasized the importance of finding a balance in Pant’s performance, aiming for consistency rather than fluctuating scores that land between one and two out of ten. He suggested that without careful planning, Pant’s decisions could lead to high-risk outcomes in his batting.

Concern Over T20 Strike Rate

Du Plessis indicated that Pant appears to grapple with an overload of options when batting in the T20 format, advocating for a more structured approach to his gameplay. The South African veteran stated that Pant often seems on the brink while batting, stemming from the weight of expectations due to his illustrious Test performances. “The talent Rishabh Pant possesses is undeniable. His ability in Test matches showcases his wide range of shots. However, for T20s, there must be a method underpinning his approach,” said Du Plessis. He noted that great T20 players typically have discernible patterns regarding their scoring methods and weaknesses, which Pant needs to develop to improve his game.

Critical Observations on Batting Style

Du Plessis also highlighted an alarming statistic regarding Pant’s T20 strike rate, which hovers around 130. He questioned how a player with such a diverse skill set could have a relatively low strike rate. “When we watch Pant in Test matches, he plays highly ambitious innings that take the game forward.

We expect him to recreate that in T20s,” he noted. Du Plessis expressed the view that while Pant is capable of extraordinary performances, a more calculated and methodical strategy could significantly enhance his effectiveness in T20 cricket. For the IPL 2026 season, Pant is anticipated to assume the number three batting position for LSG, aiming to reclaim his form in the shorter format of the game.

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