LSG bought Rishabh Pant for a whopping ₹27 crore and also handed him the captaincy. However, his bat remained mostly silent throughout the tournament. But in the final match against RCB, after the team had already been knocked out of the playoffs race, Pant finally found his rhythm and showcased his batting prowess.

Rishabh Pant stuns with a blazing knock in IPL 2025 final match, scoring a fiery fifty and leaving bowlers in big trouble.

Lucknow: In the high-stakes IPL 2025 auction, Lucknow Super Giants made a significant move by securing Rishabh Pant for a jaw-dropping ₹27 crore. This acquisition not only set a new IPL record for the most expensive player ever but also signaled Lucknow’s strong intent to clinch their maiden IPL title. The management placed their trust in Pant’s explosive batting skills and his ability to lead the team from the front. The franchise’s decision to hand him the captaincy alongside the hefty price tag spoke volumes about their faith in the 27-year-old cricketer’s leadership abilities and match-winning capabilities.

Despite the high expectations, Pant had a rough start to the tournament. His bat, which has often been a source of fireworks, remained largely silent through the early and middle stages of the season. Lucknow Super Giants, desperate for a turnaround, hoped that Pant would find his rhythm and steer the team to the playoffs. However, his lean patch persisted, and with just two games left, the team found themselves out of the playoff race, a disappointing outcome given their high-profile signings and initial promise.

Pant finally unleashes his power in the final match

The final game of the season for Lucknow Super Giants was against the formidable Royal Challengers Bangalore. With no playoff hopes left, the match was an opportunity for Pant to play with freedom and regain some lost confidence. He walked in at number three, determined to leave a lasting impression in the team’s last fixture of the season.

Pant looked confident from the moment he stepped onto the pitch. Taking his time to settle in the third over, he quickly shifted gears in the very next over. Yash Dayal, who has been consistent throughout the tournament, was at the receiving end of Pant’s powerful hitting. In that over, Pant smashed 18 runs, including two crisp boundaries and a towering six that had the fans on their feet. The shots were a reminder of his natural flair and his ability to dominate even the best bowlers when he’s in the zone.

Throughout his innings, Pant displayed impeccable timing and a calm approach that allowed him to pick his shots wisely. His aggressive yet calculated batting kept the RCB bowlers guessing and ensured that Lucknow had a competitive total on the board. Fans who had been waiting all season to see Pant back at his destructive best were finally rewarded.

Pant scores his second fifty of the season

One of the most encouraging takeaways from the final game was Pant’s well-crafted half-century, his second of the season. Before this match, his only fifty had come against the Chennai Super Kings, where he had shown glimpses of his vintage form. But this time, the knock against RCB was even more authoritative.

He reached the fifty mark in just 29 deliveries, a testament to his natural attacking instincts and his ability to shift gears effortlessly. Pant’s innings was punctuated by five boundaries that showcased his ability to find gaps in the field, as well as three huge sixes that sent the ball sailing into the stands. His clean hitting and smart placement of shots reflected the kind of form that had made him one of the most feared batters in world cricket.

Notably, Pant was sent in to bat ahead of the in-form Nicholas Pooran, a move that initially raised a few eyebrows. However, it turned out to be a masterstroke as Pant’s aggressive approach set the tone for the innings and ensured that the team had a solid platform to build upon.

Good news for Team India ahead of the England tour

The resurgence of Rishabh Pant’s form couldn’t have come at a better time for Indian cricket. In the first 13 matches of IPL 2025, Pant’s numbers had been disappointing, with only 151 runs to his name. His average of 13.73 and a strike rate just over 100 were not what fans had come to expect from one of India’s premier batters.

However, the signs of a comeback were evident in Lucknow’s previous game against Gujarat, where Pant played a quickfire unbeaten 16 off just six balls. It was a small but significant knock that hinted he was getting back into his groove. The confidence he carried into the final match against RCB was a clear indication that Pant was shaking off the rust and returning to his best.

This upturn in form is particularly important for the Indian team, which is preparing for a crucial five-match Test series in England next month. Pant has been named the vice-captain for that series, reflecting the team management’s trust in his leadership and batting abilities in the challenging English conditions. His ability to score quickly and his fearless approach in Test cricket have often been game-changers for India.

With Pant’s return to form, the Indian team will be optimistic about their chances in England. His attacking mindset and positive intent with the bat can provide the much-needed impetus in the middle order. Fans and selectors alike will be hopeful that this final IPL innings was just the beginning of a long run of big scores for the talented wicketkeeper-batter.

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