New Delhi:
Delhi Capitals captain and star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has candidly spoken about his struggles during the IPL 2025 season, expressing a desire to mentally “switch off” after his team failed to make it to the playoffs. Pant, who scored the only century for Delhi Capitals this season, admitted that the campaign had been mentally and physically exhausting.
Pant made his return to the IPL this year after a long injury layoff following a serious accident in late 2022. While fans were excited to see him back on the field, the season turned out to be a difficult one for both Pant and the Delhi franchise. With the team finishing in the lower half of the points table, Delhi Capitals could not live up to expectations.
In his post-season interview, Pant reflected on the challenges he faced, both as a player and as a leader. “It has been a long few months, and I think it’s time to just switch off for a while,” he said. “This season didn’t go the way we planned. There were moments of individual brilliance, but overall, we couldn’t deliver as a unit.”
Pant scored a well-crafted century in one of the league matches, showcasing glimpses of his old form and resilience. However, the lack of consistent support from other batters and some underwhelming bowling performances led to the team's early elimination. Pant’s ton remained a rare highlight in an otherwise forgettable campaign.
He added, “I’m proud of the way I fought, especially after returning from such a serious injury. But cricket is a team sport, and we fell short in crucial games. I know there’s more to give, but right now, I just want to take a break, rest, and recharge.”
Pant’s return to cricket had been one of the major talking points ahead of IPL 2025, and while his comeback was celebrated, the weight of expectations and limited success on the field seemed to have taken a toll. Experts believe that given his track record, Pant will bounce back stronger and play a key role in upcoming international fixtures.
Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting also backed Pant, praising his leadership and courage. “Rishabh gave his all. Coming back from a life-threatening accident and leading the team is no small feat. He has our full support,” said Ponting.
As India gears up for the international calendar, including a Test series and white-ball matches later in the year, the BCCI is expected to give Pant ample time to rest before reintegrating him into the national setup. Team India will count on his experience and explosiveness, especially in high-pressure situations.
For now, Rishabh Pant has made it clear that his priority is mental recovery. As fans await his return to full form, his lone century in IPL 2025 stands as a reminder of his fighting spirit in the face of adversity.
