Former Indian batsman Robin Uthappa has boldly claimed that Rishabh Pant’s T20 career could take a dramatic turn if one crucial change is made. He claimed that Rishabh Pant is in the top order in T20 cricket; Remaining in the middle will only make things worse for the Indian star.
Robin Uthappa’s strong message to Rishabh Pant before IPL 2026
The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman was recently not included in India’s squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which has put extra focus on his next task in the format, and that is IPL 2026, where he will lead the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Uthappa believes that the upcoming IPL 2026 season could define Pant’s future in the shortest format, as he is yet to show his true batting prowess after returning from his horrific accident. The 2007 T20 World Cup winner feels that batting at the top, whether as an opener or at number three, will allow the left-hander to play freely and dominate the bowlers early.
Also read: Revealed: Why India refused to drop Rishabh Pant for New Zealand series despite poor form?
After forgetting IPL 2025, Uthappa encourages Pant to open for LSG
He stressed that the powerplay, with its fielding restrictions, suited Pant’s aggressive style and natural stroke play. The former Indian batsman urged Pant to open or bat at number three for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), saying that he would be unstoppable once he gets set in the powerplay.
Robin Uthappa said on his YouTube channel, “He has to open. He has the field open and once he gets set, no one can stop him. Why do you want to put yourself in a difficult position? Maximize your potential. Once he gets set, the field will not matter to him. Nothing will matter. He will demolish it.”
Uthappa spoke openly about his disappointment with Pant
Uthappa also shared how he was disappointed with Pant in IPL 2025. Despite being the captain, Pant mostly batted at number five and the 2025 season turned out to be a forgettable one for him. After being bought by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Pant could only score 269 runs in 14 matches.
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He scored just one hundred and fifty runs for LSG. Well, Uthappa pointed out that Pant has already shown what he can do if promoted to the upper order, he scored an unbeaten 118 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) while batting at number 3, so he should open for LSG in the upcoming IPL 2026.
“Brother, Please Open” – Robin Uthappa
Uthappa said, “Personally, I am very patient with Pant. I believe that if he opens or plays at number three, we will soon see his best performance. I was very happy when he was playing at number three in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He is a batsman who should get more balls in T20 cricket. He should be given the freedom of power play. I was so disappointed that he was the captain of LSG and at number five. Were batting. If it reaches them, please open.” You will shake up Indian T20 cricket.”
Robin Uthappa is very disappointed with Rishabh Pant batting at No. 5 for Lucknow Super Giants.@DrSanjivGoenkaWe request you to convince Rishabh Pant to open the innings for LSG pic.twitter.com/PveKaKysei
– RP17 Gang (@RP17Gang) 9 January 2026
