New Delhi: Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Faf du Plessis has raised questions over the ₹27 crore price tag of Rishabh Pant, criticising the wicketkeeper-batter’s T20 credentials and approach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.

Pant, who was signed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record fee at the IPL 2025 mega auction, endured a disappointing campaign as the franchise finished seventh in the standings.

Faf questions Pant’s T20 numbers

Speaking during a broadcast discussion, Faf du Plessis expressed surprise over the continued demand for Pant in IPL auctions despite what he described as underwhelming T20 statistics.

“You look at players like Pant in the auction and ask why there is such a big craze over someone like him if the game of T20 has evolved so much in terms of numbers,” du Plessis said.

“If you look at his T20 numbers, it’s not that great. So why is there such an obsession with him?” he added.

The remarks have sparked debate among cricket fans, given Pant’s reputation as one of India’s most explosive match-winners despite inconsistent performances in the shortest format.

Disappointing IPL 2025 campaign

Rishabh Pant struggled to justify his hefty price tag in IPL 2025. Apart from a century in LSG’s final game of the season, he managed just 151 runs in 12 innings, raising concerns about his form and consistency.

The underwhelming returns contributed to Lucknow Super Giants finishing outside the playoff spots, marking a difficult first season for Pant at the franchise.

Despite the poor run, the team management has continued to back him as captain for IPL 2026.

Criticism of batting approach

Du Plessis also analysed Pant’s batting style, suggesting that his approach lacks clarity and structure in T20 cricket.

“It boils down to him having too many options in his head. It feels like he can score a six off every ball in every part of the ground,” he said.

“With the great T20 players, you have an idea of where they are going to score their boundaries and how they work around their weaknesses. But with Pant, you feel like he’s always on the edge.”

He further described Pant’s innings as “frantic at some stages”, indicating a need for a more defined method in his batting.

Debate over value in modern T20 cricket

The criticism highlights a broader debate in modern T20 cricket regarding the balance between instinctive stroke play and data-driven consistency.

While analysts and coaches increasingly rely on numbers to evaluate players, individuals like Pant continue to command high value due to their ability to change games single-handedly.

His aggressive style and unpredictability have often worked in his favour, especially in high-pressure situations, even if consistency remains an issue.

Pant’s chance for redemption

As IPL 2026 approaches, Rishabh Pant will have an opportunity to silence critics and justify the faith shown in him by Lucknow Super Giants.

With another season as captain, much will depend on his ability to deliver both as a leader and a batter. A strong performance could quickly shift the narrative around his valuation and reaffirm his status as one of the league’s premier players.

Conclusion

Faf du Plessis’s remarks have reignited discussions around Rishabh Pant’s role and value in T20 cricket. While the criticism focuses on numbers and consistency, Pant’s talent and match-winning ability ensure he remains one of the most talked-about figures in the IPL.

The upcoming season will be crucial in determining whether he can live up to expectations and justify his record-breaking price tag.