Haven’t seen Rishabh Pant smiling, laughing, being jovial and relaxed: Adam Gilchrist

Former Australian opener and commentator Adam Gilchrist has opened up on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant not giving his best in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. Notably, Pant could score only 128 runs from 11 games this season at an average of 12.8.

In the most recent encounter against PBKS, Pant could score only 18 runs in the 237-run chase, which LSG lost by 37 runs. Gilchrist, who has played the game for a long time, has made some interesting observations on the keeper-batter.

"Watching him, you always feel that he enjoys his cricket. We haven't seen that this time around. Haven't seen him smiling, laughing, being jovial, being relaxed. Maybe it is the responsibility of the captaincy, coming into a new franchise with that highest price tag over his head," Gilchrist said on Cricbuzz.

"I don't see him being his true personality. People may say 'well, hang on mate.' His batting has been too carefree. I think there is a happy balance in his stroke-play and stroke selection. Don't see the spark in him,” he added.

"Just don't see that spark in him. I am just making this observation 10 or 11 games in. He's one of the most enjoyable and entertaining cricketers to watch when his natural colour is coming through. He is a certain personality; he has a vibrant body language. Something is missing there, something is missing,” he concluded. 

Moreover, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag also had his say on Pant’s poor outings this season. He suggested Pant should approach his role model and idol Rishabh Pant to come out of this lean patch.

"Again, he does have a mobile, all he needs is to pick up the phone and call someone. If you feel you are thinking negatively, there are so many cricketers you can discuss with. Dhoni is his role model, so he should call him. It will lighten him up," Sehwag said.

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