In the cut-throat world of T20 cricket, where margins are razor-thin and fortunes can swing in a single over, Rishabh Pant, the dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batsman and captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has delivered a candid and insightful critique of his team’s recent struggles. Following a disappointing end to their IPL 2025 campaign, despite a magnificent century from Pant himself, the southpaw lamented, “Eventually you got to play 40 overs of good cricket. 20 overs will definitely not save you in a T20 game and that’s been our story.”
Pant’s statement, made at the post-match presentation after LSG’s loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), hits at the core of T20 strategy. It’s a format often perceived as a mere batting slugfest, where individual brilliance and hitting prowess can overcome tactical deficiencies. However, Pant’s observation underscores a crucial truth: sustained excellence across both innings, with both bat and ball, is paramount for consistent success.
The context of Pant’s remarks is crucial. While he blazed an incredible 118 off just 61 balls against RCB, propelling LSG to a formidable total, the target was ultimately chased down by a resurgent RCB unit, spearheaded by a blistering knock from Jitesh Sharma. This wasn’t an isolated incident for LSG, whose season was plagued by an inability to close out games, often due to lapses in their bowling or fielding after strong batting performances.
“There were a lot of injury concerns before the tournament, that’s something that hurt us going through the season,” Pant further elaborated, hinting at the challenges faced by his bowling attack. While injuries undoubtedly played a part in LSG’s inconsistencies, Pant’s broader point transcends personnel issues. It speaks to a fundamental philosophical approach to T20 cricket.
In a format where boundaries flow freely, teams can often become complacent, believing that a high score alone guarantees victory. But as Pant rightly points out, every ball in T20s holds significance. From disciplined bowling to tight fielding and strategic captaincy, every aspect across the entire 40 overs contributes to the final outcome. A brilliant batting display can be undone by a few expensive overs, missed catches, or a lack of pressure from the bowlers.
Pant’s own journey in T20 cricket has been a fascinating one. Known for his aggressive, no-holds-barred batting, he has often been lauded for his match-winning capabilities. However, recent analyses have also highlighted areas for improvement in his T20 game, particularly concerning strike rotation and avoiding dot balls when not in full flow. His ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a high strike rate, as seen in his century against RCB, is what makes him such a potent force.
His “20 overs won’t save you” philosophy aligns with the evolving dynamics of T20 cricket. Teams that excel consistently are those that prioritize all three departments – batting, bowling, and fielding – and strive for excellence throughout the entire match. It’s about building pressure, seizing opportunities, and minimizing errors from the first ball to the last, rather than relying solely on bursts of individual brilliance.
As Rishabh Pant now looks to switch off and prepare for the upcoming England Test series, his reflection serves as a valuable lesson for all T20 teams. In a format designed for explosive entertainment, the real champions are those who understand that victory is forged over 40 overs of relentless, disciplined, and collective effort, not just isolated moments of power-hitting.
