He took his time arriving, but as the saying goes, better late than never. And this time, Rishabh Pant arrived fashionably late… with fireworks in both hands.
While the Lucknow Super Giants missed out on a spot in the Playoffs, the final league match became a one-man Bollywood climax, thanks to Pant. At the Ekana Stadium, fans were treated to an absolute blockbuster as the most expensive player in IPL history smashed a sizzling 118 against RCB. It wasn’t just an innings; it was a statement. LSG fans may not have made it to the top four, but they walked away clutching their hearts and whispering, “Next year is ours!”
This was Pant’s second IPL century — and his first since 2018. With it, he also equalled his highest-ever IPL score. But this wasn’t just a return to form — it was a cartwheeling, somersaulting, swagger-filled comeback. His celebration? Possibly one of the best we’ve seen in IPL history. You could see how desperately he wanted to reclaim his mojo, to finally silence the doubts and shake off the weight he’d been carrying.
And let’s not forget — this is the same man who, just over a year ago in December 2022, survived a life-threatening car crash. To come back from that, not just to play again but to dominate? Jaw-dropping.
Pant’s innings wasn’t just a morale boost for LSG fans; it sent a ripple of excitement through Indian cricket supporters everywhere. With him slated to be vice-captain in the upcoming Test series against England, this kind of form is exactly what the country needs. And if Pant carries this fire to England, well, their bowlers better start losing sleep.
Because this wasn’t just a comeback. It was a mic-drop moment. A sky-full-of-fireworks declaration. You can doubt his form, sure — but never his flair. Because form is temporary, but Pant doing ‘Pant’astic things? That’s forever.
