Bharat Arun Backs Rishabh Pant Amidst IPL 2026 Form Slump

Standing Firm Behind the Star

In the high-pressure world of the Indian Premier League, where price tags often dictate public perception, Rishabh Pant finds himself at the center of a storm. Despite his current struggles with the bat, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bowling coach Bharat Arun has offered a staunch defense of the veteran wicket-keeper, suggesting that his lean patch is merely a temporary hurdle rather than a reflection of his legendary capabilities.

The Weight of Twenty-Seven Crores

When LSG secured Rishabh Pant for a staggering INR 27 crores, he became the most expensive player in IPL history. However, the expectations that accompanied this massive investment have yet to be realized on the field. Critics have frequently argued that the price tag has acted as a mental shackle for the 29-year-old, leading to cautious batting and inconsistent performances. Bharat Arun, however, disagrees entirely.

“I don’t think Rishabh Pant has been bogged down by the price tag in the last two years,” Arun stated during a recent press interaction. “He took us over the line in the second match. It is truly just a question of one good inning to get him back to his best.”

A Challenging Journey

Rishabh Pant’s career has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Once hailed as one of India’s finest all-format cricketers, the southpaw has faced an uphill battle since his life-altering accident in 2022. While he returned to international cricket and played a role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, his white-ball form, particularly in the IPL, has seen a visible decline.

Statistics highlight the struggle. In the 2025 IPL season, Pant managed only 269 runs, while his 2026 campaign has seen him collect 189 runs in eight matches. Perhaps more concerning for the LSG management is his strike rate, which has dipped from his usual explosive range of 150-160 down to a more modest 125-130.

LSG’s Collective Struggle

The issues facing Lucknow Super Giants extend beyond a single player. The team has endured a dismal run at their home venue, culminating in a recent defeat to KKR where the batting lineup failed to chase a target of 150. Currently sitting at the bottom of the points table with only four points from eight matches, the franchise is facing a dire need for a turnaround.

The pressure is compounded by an unfavorable net run rate. However, the team now looks toward the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for their next challenge. They are set to face the Mumbai Indians, a team currently enduring their own struggles at the ninth position on the table. This matchup offers a potential lifeline for both sides as they seek to salvage their respective seasons.

Looking Ahead: Can the Legend Recover?

While red-ball cricket remains a format where Pant still displays glimpses of his former dominance, the shortest format has proven elusive. Yet, as Bharat Arun noted, class is permanent. For a player who has defined Indian cricket for nearly a decade, the ability to flip the switch is never far away.

Whether or not Pant can repay the faith of the LSG ownership and silence his critics remains to be seen. The upcoming fixture in Mumbai will be a critical test of his character, his leadership, and his ability to handle the immense weight of expectation that comes with being one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.

For now, the message from the dressing room remains one of patience and support. In a game defined by fine margins, the LSG camp is betting on the fact that the next explosive knock from Rishabh Pant is just around the corner.