Few cricketers capture the imagination like Rishabh Pant. At his best, he’s a game changer, a fearless batsman who can turn matches with a flick of his wrist and a keeper whose energy lights up the field. His 2021 exploits, particularly in Australia, cemented his reputation as a once-in-a-generation talent. But after a horrific car accident in 2022 sidelined him for over a year, Pant’s return to cricket has been a tale of resilience, struggle, and flashes of brilliance. As he gears up for India’s Test tour of England in June 2025, fans are buzzing with anticipation: Can Pant recapture the magic of 2021? Let’s break it down.
The 2021 Pant: A Force of Nature
In 2021, Rishabh Pant was unstoppable. His defining moment came during India’s Test series in Australia, where India, battered and bruised after a humiliating 36 all out in Adelaide, staged one of the greatest comebacks in cricket history. Pant was the architect of that triumph, particularly in the Gabba Test. His unbeaten 89 in a chase of 328 was a masterclass in controlled aggression, defying a fierce Australian attack and ending their 32-year unbeaten streak at the fortress. That knock wasn’t just about runs; it was about belief, audacity, and rewriting India’s cricketing narrative.
Pant’s 2021 wasn’t limited to Australia. He smashed a century against England in Ahmedabad, turning the tide in India’s favor, and consistently delivered in the World Test Championship. His stats that year, 663 runs in 10 Test innings at an average of 73.66, with two centuries and four fifties, told the story of a player peaking at the right time. His unorthodox shots, like the reverse scoop against James Anderson, left fans and critics in awe. Pant wasn’t just playing cricket; he was redefining it.
The Accident and the Comeback
On December 30, 2022, Pant’s life took a dramatic turn. A near-fatal car accident near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, left him with severe injuries, including a fractured wrist, ankle, and ligament reconstruction surgery. The cricket world held its breath, with many doubting if he’d ever return to the field, let alone as a wicketkeeper batter. As Ravi Shastri noted, seeing Pant in the hospital post-accident, it seemed miraculous that he could even walk again, let alone play cricket.
Yet, Pant’s resilience shone through. After 14 months of grueling rehabilitation, he was declared fit for the IPL 2024 by the BCCI, marking his return as a wicketkeeper batter for Delhi Capitals. His comeback to Test cricket came in September 2024 against Bangladesh, where he showed glimpses of his old self, scoring consistently with an average of 73.66 in his last 10 Test innings. His return wasn’t just a personal victory; it earned him a nomination for the 2025 Laureus Comeback of the Year award for his role in India’s T20 World Cup win and his IPL auction success, where LSG snapped him up for a record-breaking ₹27 crore.
IPL 2025: A Mixed Bag
Pant’s 2025 IPL season with Lucknow Super Giants was a tale of two halves. As captain, he faced immense pressure after his ₹27 crore price tag, the highest in IPL history. The season started poorly, with Pant struggling for consistency, managing just 135 runs in 12 matches at an average of 12.27 and a strike rate of 100 numbers far below his usual flair. Critics, including former cricketer Robin Uthappa, pointed to confusion in his approach, torn between attacking and anchoring, compounded by inconsistent batting positions, including a bizarre stint at No. 7.
Social media was harsh, with some fans even suggesting LSG should “return” his ₹27 crore after a string of low scores, including a duck against Delhi Capitals. Rumors swirled about LSG releasing him, which Pant dismissed as “fake news,” urging for responsible reporting. Former cricketer Yograj Singh identified technical flaws unsteady head, and an opening left shoulder, but claimed they could be fixed in “five minutes.”
However, Pant ended the season on a high, smashing an unbeaten 118 off 61 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with 11 fours and 8 sixes, celebrating with a backflip that went viral. This century, his first in the IPL in seven years, boosted his season tally to 269 runs in 14 matches at an average of 24.45 and a strike rate of 133.17. Though LSG missed the playoffs, Pant’s final knock rekindled hope among fans and showed he’s still capable of game-changing performances.
The Road to England 2025
Now, as India prepares for a five-match Test series against England starting June 20, 2025, Pant has been named vice captain under Shubman Gill, signaling the selectors’ faith in his leadership potential. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket, Pant’s role as a senior batter and keeper is crucial. Former selector Devang Gandhi even backed him as a potential captain, citing his Test average as the best in the current squad.
But can he replicate his 2021 heroics? The signs are mixed. On one hand, Pant’s Test form remains strong, his recent Test performances show consistency, and his aggressive style thrives in the longer format, where he has time to settle. His 2021 Gabba heroics were built on patience and adaptability, qualities he’s shown he still possesses. On the other hand, his IPL 2025 struggles highlight vulnerabilities, particularly in T20s, where his confidence and timing seemed off. Astrologer Greenstone Lobo even predicted KL Rahul might replace him in India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad, reflecting doubts about his white ball consistency.
England’s conditions, seaming pitches, and swinging Dukes balls will test Pant’s technique, especially if Yograj Singh’s concerns about his head position and shoulder alignment persist. However, Pant’s mental toughness is his X factor. He’s faced bigger battles than a bowling attack, and his ability to play fearless cricket under pressure could see him thrive against England’s bowlers like Anderson and Stokes.
What It’ll Take to Recreate 2021
For Pant to rediscover his 2021 form, a few things need to align:
- Clarity in Role: In the IPL, Pant’s fluctuating batting positions hurt his rhythm. As India’s vice captain and likely No. 5 or 6 batter, he’ll need a defined role to play his natural game, attacking when needed but building innings with maturity.
- Technical Tweaks: Addressing the issues Yograj Singh pointed out could be key. If Pant can stabilize his head and shoulder positioning, his strokeplay could return to its fluent best.
- Mental Reset: Pant himself admitted he wants to “switch off” from cricket before the England tour, suggesting he’s aware of the mental toll of a tough IPL. A refreshed mindset could unlock the fearless Pant of 2021.
- Team Support: With a young Indian squad, Pant’s experience as a keeper, batter, and leader will be vital. Support from Gill, Bumrah, and the coaching staff will help him focus on his game rather than external pressures.
The Verdict: Can He Do It?
Rishabh Pant’s 2021 heroics were born from a mix of raw talent, a fearless mindset, and a knack for seizing big moments. His journey since surviving a life-threatening accident, returning to elite cricket, and battling form slumps shows he’s got the heart to overcome any challenge. While his IPL 2025 season was rocky, that blazing century against RCB proved the fire still burns. In Tests, where Pant has always excelled, he’s better positioned to shine, especially with the responsibility of vice-captaincy spurring him on.
Will he replicate his 2021 heroics? Maybe not in the same way, no two moments in cricket are identical. But can he produce match-defining performances that remind us of that Gabba magic? Absolutely. Pant’s story is one of defying odds, and England 2025 could be the stage for his next iconic chapter. As he steps onto the field in Leeds, one thing’s certain: all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant, waiting for him to unleash the chaos only he can.
