Sehwag Urges Pant to Seek Dhoni’s Guidance Amid IPL Struggles

NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has advised Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant to reconnect with his mentor, MS Dhoni, to address his ongoing batting woes in the IPL 2025 season. Pant’s lackluster performance, highlighted by a modest 18 runs off 17 balls during a daunting 237-run chase against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday, has seen him amass just 128 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 99.22.

Sehwag, speaking to the media, suggested that Pant review footage of his past IPL successes to regain confidence and rediscover the aggressive batting style that defined his pre-injury career. “He should watch his old batting videos to see how he used to construct innings and hit shots,” Sehwag told. He noted a stark contrast between Pant’s current form and the dominance he displayed before his 2022 car accident, urging the LSG skipper to stick to his established routines, including practice, gym sessions, and rest.

In a heartfelt recommendation, Sehwag encouraged Pant to reach out to Dhoni, whom Pant considers a role model, to clear mental doubts and boost his morale. “Pick up the phone and talk to someone like Dhoni to address uncertainties,” Sehwag advised. He emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency in preparation to overcome the mental and emotional hurdles affecting Pant’s game.

Pant’s struggles have coincided with LSG’s faltering campaign, with the team suffering their sixth defeat in the match against PBKS. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, Pant’s ability to heed Sehwag’s advice could prove pivotal for both his personal form and LSG’s playoff aspirations.