Intro
Former Proteas skipper backs Pant to maximise impact with consistent approach.
New Delhi
Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has backed Rishabh Pant to bat at No.3 for Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming Indian Premier League season, stressing that the move could help the wicketkeeper-batter maximise his impact while improving consistency.
Pant, who experimented with multiple batting positions last season, found his best form at No.3, notably scoring an unbeaten 118 in LSG’s final league match. Du Plessis believes the numbers clearly support this position as the most effective for the dynamic left-hander.
du Plessis suggested that Pant slotting in at No.3 would allow players like Nicholas Pooran to move to No.4, strengthening LSG’s already formidable top order that includes Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh.
Pant enters the new season under significant pressure after being acquired for a record ₹27 crore ahead of IPL 2025. His debut season as LSG captain, however, fell short of expectations, with the team finishing seventh and Pant managing just 269 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.45.
Du Plessis highlighted that while Pant possesses immense natural talent, his T20 performances have not consistently reflected his ability. He described Pant as a “highlight player” who needs to transition into a more reliable, high-impact contributor.
The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper emphasised the importance of having a clear game plan in T20 cricket. According to him, Pant often appears overly aggressive, attempting high-risk shots too frequently, which affects his overall output.
He noted that elite T20 batters typically operate with well-defined scoring areas and strategies, whereas Pant’s approach can seem overly frantic at times. Despite possessing a wide range of shots, his strike rate of around 130 remains surprisingly modest.
Du Plessis advised Pant to curb excessive risk-taking and focus on playing according to the merit of each delivery. He stressed that developing consistency—performing at a 60–70 percent success level rather than occasional brilliance—would elevate Pant’s effectiveness.
LSG begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals on April 1, while the tournament opens with RCB facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru.