The Comeback That Redefined Perspective
On 30 December 2022, Rishabh Pant nearly died in a car accident on a Delhi highway. Less than two years later, he was back behind the stumps in IPL colours — pulling fast bowlers over fine leg at 150+ km/h and reverse-sweeping spinners into the stands.
That comeback is not just an inspiring narrative. It is the context for understanding why Pant's 2025 IPL season was watched by every cricket fan in India regardless of team allegiance.
The Pre-Accident Profile
Before his accident, Pant was developing into one of IPL's most genuinely destructive batters. His strike rate from position 4-5 consistently exceeded 150, and his ability to play unorthodox shots — scoops, ramps, reverse sweeps — off the front foot against pace made him effectively unplannable.
Batting Stats 2017-2025
| Season | Runs | SR | Ave | 6s | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 366 | 148.2 | 24.4 | 14 | 4-5 |
| 2018 | 684 | 173.9 | 45.6 | 30 | 4 |
| 2019 | 488 | 162.8 | 37.5 | 21 | 4 |
| 2020 | 343 | 141.6 | 29.4 | 15 | 4 |
| 2021 | 419 | 151.1 | 34.9 | 18 | 4 |
| 2022 | Injured — did not play | ||||
| 2023 | Injured — did not play | ||||
| 2024 | Injured — partial season (171/SR148) | ||||
| 2025 | 524 | 153.4 | 40.3 | 23 | 4 |
The Wicketkeeping Dimension
Pant's keeping adds a dimension beyond his batting. He completes stumpings at a rate that few IPL keepers match — his reflexes and reading of spin bowling make him one of the best stumping-keepers in franchise cricket.
DC's spin bowling strategy is designed around Pant behind the stumps — bowlers are encouraged to toss up knowing Pant's reaction speed gives them a margin for error that other teams' keepers don't provide.
The Captain Factor
Pant was appointed DC captain ahead of the 2021 season and has led the franchise since. His captaincy style — aggressive in field settings, willing to use fifth bowler options — mirrors his batting. DC have consistently been an unpredictable team to play against, which is a direct reflection of his leadership personality.
IPL 2026 as Full Comeback
IPL 2025 was Pant's return season; IPL 2026 is expected to be his first full campaign without physical restrictions. His 524 runs in 2025 at a strike rate of 153 suggested his batting instincts are fully intact. The only question is whether his keeping can return to the elite level it was at pre-2022.
FAQ
Q: What is Rishabh Pant's IPL strike rate?
Rishabh Pant's career IPL strike rate is approximately 148-154, depending on the season. His peak strike rate of 173.9 came in 2018, and his 2025 return season showed a strike rate of 153 — indicating his attacking instincts have survived his injury layoff.
Q: Which IPL team does Rishabh Pant play for?
Rishabh Pant plays for Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) in the IPL, where he has been captain since 2021.
Q: How did Rishabh Pant perform in IPL 2025 after his comeback?
Pant scored 524 runs in IPL 2025 at a strike rate of 153.4 and an average of 40.3 — numbers that confirmed his batting ability is intact following his recovery from the serious road accident in December 2022.