New Delhi, May 20 – Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed concern over Rishabh Pant’s underwhelming performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, suggesting that the wicketkeeper-batter will need to reassess his approach in T20 cricket. As per agency report, Chopra believes that Pant has missed a crucial opportunity to cement his place in India’s T20 squad after a disappointing campaign with the Lucknow Super Giants.
Pant, who has not been a regular in India’s T20 setup, was expected to make a strong statement this season. However, despite being signed for a hefty sum of ₹27 crore, the Super Giants’ captain managed to score only 135 runs in 12 matches. With a defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday night, Lucknow bowed out of the playoff race.
Chopra, speaking on Jio Hotstar, stated that while success teaches certain lessons, it is failure that truly reshapes a player's mindset—often for the better. He highlighted that this season was a pivotal moment for Pant to make a lasting impact and help build a competitive squad around him, but he failed to capitalize on that chance.
He also pointed out the inconsistency in Pant’s form throughout the season and questioned whether he would continue with his current aggressive style in T20s or adapt to a more balanced approach going forward. According to Chopra, tough phases can feel endless, but they are often when players learn the most and prepare for a stronger return.
Calling this IPL campaign a “bad dream” for Pant, Chopra concluded with a note of optimism, remarking that the good thing about bad dreams is that eventually, one wakes up.
