The final league match of IPL 2025 pitted Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. For RCB, a victory was crucial to secure a top-two finish and a spot in Qualifier 1. LSG, however, were already out of playoff contention, leaving them with little to play for except pride. Enter Rishabh Pant, the LSG captain, who had endured a tough season but was determined to end on a high. What followed was a performance that lit up the tournament’s closing stages.
Pant’s Explosive Innings: A Century to Remember
Walking in at No. 3 after an early wicket, Pant wasted no time asserting his dominance. He smashed an unbeaten 118 off just 61 balls, reaching his century in a blistering 54 deliveries. His innings featured 10 fours and 6 sixes, blending aggression with precision. A standout moment was his cartwheel celebration upon reaching the hundred, met with a roaring standing ovation from the Ekana crowd and his teammates.
Pant’s knock powered LSG to a massive 227/3 in 20 overs, setting RCB a daunting target. His 152-run partnership with Mitchell Marsh (67 off 37) for the second wicket was the backbone of the innings, turning the game firmly in LSG’s favour. This was Pant’s second IPL century and his highest score in the tournament’s history, a testament to his explosive batting prowess, especially for domestic players making an impact.
The Roar of a Comeback Giant: Pant Smashes 118* in Style
In what could only be described as a thumping statement to selectors, fans, and critics alike, Rishabh Pant unleashed a thunderous 118 off 61 balls against RCB*, just days after being named vice-captain for India’s tour of England and Shubhman Gill the captain for the tour. With this innings, Pant didn’t just score runs—he reclaimed his throne.
The context adds weight: he didn’t play a single match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, spending the entire tournament on the bench. But instead of sulking, Pant trained, waited, and exploded like a volcano the moment he got his chance.
Control, Power & Class: Pant’s Numbers Speak Loudest
Analysing his wagon wheel and scoring zones from the match:
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118 runs from 61 balls
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11 fours, 8 sixes
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81% control rate – showing maturity alongside aggression
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Productive shot: Pull – scored 27 runs, including 3 fours and 2 sixes with it
This wasn’t the reckless Rishabh Pant of old. This was a seasoned version—a batter who picked his moments, worked the angles, and then went full beast mode like a godfather.
Scoring Breakdown: Pant Targeted the Right Zones
From the scoring zone pie chart:
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Highest runs from one area: 26 runs, showing strategic domination
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Multiple zones saw 18+ runs, proving how wide his range of hitting has become
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Only 1 dot ball in a zone, showcasing phenomenal strike rotation and game awareness
This is the kind of innings that defines not just a match, but a season, even a career narrative.
A Season of Struggles: Pant’s Journey to Redemption
Before this match, Pant’s IPL 2025 had been a tale of frustration. In 13 games, he managed just 151 runs at a strike rate of 107, averaging a mere 13.72. Bought by LSG for a record-breaking 27 crores, the pressure was immense, but his performances had fallen short of expectations like Australia in CT 2025.
Critics questioned his form, and social media was abuzz with doubts about his ability to justify the price tag. Yet, this century against RCB was a resounding response—a display of mental toughness and a reminder of his world-class talent.
The Impact of Pant’s Century: A Game-Changer for LSG
Pant’s innings didn’t just boost his own confidence; it transformed the match. His 118* propelled LSG to their highest total of the season, 227/3, and put RCB’s bowling attack under relentless pressure. Without Josh Hazlewood, RCB struggled to find answers as Pant tore into their bowlers. Though the match outcome isn’t the focus here, Pant’s contribution set the stage for a thrilling contest, giving LSG a fighting chance to upset RCB’s plans.
What This Century Means for Pant’s Future
This century could mark a turning point for Pant. After a season of lows, it’s a shot of confidence that could carry him into international cricket, with the World Test Championship final on the horizon. For LSG, it validates their hefty investment, proving Pant’s worth as a match-winner. As he looks ahead to the next IPL and beyond, this knock serves as a reminder of his potential to dominate any stage.
Rishabh Pant’s century against RCB in the final match of IPL 2025 was a spectacle of skill, determination, and redemption. From a season of struggles to a match-defining 118*, Pant showed why he remains one of cricket’s most exciting talents. This innings wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a statement to fans, critics, and teammates alike: Rishabh Pant is back, and he’s here to stay.
Vice-Captaincy + This Knock = New Era for Pant?
There’s no better time to fire than when you’ve just been given responsibility. Being appointed vice-captain for the England tour seems to have awakened the leader in Pant.
He isn’t just a maverick anymore. He’s turning into a senior pillar for India’s future in white-ball cricket. And this knock vs RCB could be the game-changer for him, mentally and strategically.
Final Verdict: India’s Biggest X-Factor Heading Into England?
If Pant carries this form to England, Indian cricket could finally get a game-changer in the middle overs—a player who’s fearless, focused, and now, maybe even a leader in the making, like Sikanadar Raza did it for Zimbabwe.
He was silent during the ICC CT 2025. Now, he’s screaming from. And if this continues, we may just be witnessing the rebirth of “Pant 2.0”—a wicketkeeper-batter ready to dominate the world again.
According to sources like Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo, Pant’s strike rotation and adaptability have drastically improved post-recovery. He’s mixing innovation with experience—a trait seen in elite finishers like MS Dhoni and Jos Buttler.
His comeback post-accident and recent non-selection are not just physical. It’s mental dominance. And now with captaincy responsibilities knocking, he might just become India’s next white-ball general.
