Legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag has offered a piece of heartfelt advice to Rishabh Pant, whose poor form with the bat continues to trouble Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing IPL 2025 season.
Sehwag, speaking on Cricbuzz, urged Pant to revisit his past moments of success and reach out to mentors like MS Dhoni if he feels mentally unsettled.
“If he considers Dhoni as his role model, then he should talk to him. He has a phone—just pick it up and call whoever he wants,” Sehwag said bluntly, adding, “If mentally he’s not thinking straight, many cricketers can help.”
Watch Yourself in Full Flow, Regain That Confidence
Sehwag recommended Pant watch videos of his best IPL innings to reignite the confidence that made him one of the most explosive batters in recent years.
“Look back at your own batting clips when you used to score runs. You’ll remember how you used to pace your innings, what shots you chose, and how fearless you played,” Sehwag suggested.
Another Low Score, Another Setback for LSG
The advice comes after Pant managed just 18 runs in LSG’s heavy 37-run loss to Punjab Kings on May 4 at Dharamsala. Chasing a mammoth 236, Lucknow’s top-order collapsed yet again, and despite Ayush Badoni’s valiant 74, the team fell short.
Pant’s poor form this season—128 runs in 11 matches at an average of 12.8—is now becoming a major concern for the franchise. Neither Mitchell Marsh nor Nicholas Pooran have stepped up, putting all the pressure on Pant’s shoulders.
Playoff Dream Still Alive—Barely
Despite LSG’s 7th-place standing on the points table with 10 points from 11 matches and a net run rate of -0.47, Pant remains hopeful.
“The dream is still alive,” Pant said post-match, stating that three wins from the remaining three matches could still turn the tide. However, even that may not be enough to break into the top four unless other results go their way.
What’s Next for LSG?
Lucknow Super Giants will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru at home on May 9, a must-win clash for both sides. All eyes will be on Pant—will he take Sehwag’s advice and reach out to his mentor?
