Navjot Singh Sidhu has spoken about Rishabh Pant’s poor run in IPL 2026 after another disappointing outing for Lucknow Super Giants against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Pant has not been in great form this season. Apart from one strong knock of 68 not out against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he has struggled to score runs consistently. In the recent match against RCB, he was dismissed for just 1, and LSG ended up losing the game by five wickets.
Navjot Sidhu on LSG and Rishabh Pant
Sidhu, who is part of the commentary team this season, feels Pant is getting out too easily instead of making the bowlers work harder. He also pointed out that LSG’s problems are not just about one player, as their top order has failed to deliver regularly.
"There is a lot of soul searching that needs to be done. Their problems have persisted, especially with the top order not firing. They have been heavily dependent on their top three, but the returns haven't come."
He also spoke about the lack of partnerships in the team, which has made things worse.
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"When you look at players like Markram, Pooran, Marsh and Rishabh Pant, there is immense potential, but the partnerships are missing."
"Even a 50-run stand at the top has been rare. I don't think bowlers are getting Rishabh out; more often, he is getting himself out. He has the talent and ability, and if he gives himself time, he can turn it around. At the moment, both, their batting and bowling, seem to be struggling," Sidhu added.
LSG are currently placed seventh on the points table, and their inconsistent top-order has been one of the main reasons behind it. Pant, who is leading the team this season, has scored only 104 runs in five matches so far, with an average of 26.00.
Navjot Sidhu on Virat Kohli's form
On the other side, Virat Kohli continued his strong form for RCB, playing a steady and important innings during the chase. Sidhu was full of praise for Kohli and highlighted how consistent he has been over the years.
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"Virat Kohli at even 20% is better than most at 100%. That's the kind of impact and influence he brings. Despite not being at his best physically, he followed up his previous fifty with another commanding performance," Sidhu said.
"The way he dominated Mohammed Shami stood out, on his toes, driving over cover, playing fluent pulls and cuts. The time he has to execute those strokes, even after 18–19 years at the top level, shows why he remains indispensable to the IPL," he added.