When a batter of Rishabh Pant's caliber consistently lights up Test cricket but struggles to leave a similar mark in the IPL, it's bound to raise eyebrows. Former India star Cheteshwar Pujara recently admitted he's "very surprised" by Pant's underwhelming T20 record, suggesting the issue isn't technical—it's all in the mindset.

Pant has been a force of nature in the longest format, amassing 3,476 runs in 49 Tests—including eight centuries and unforgettable knocks in England, Australia, and South Africa. Yet, his IPL numbers tell a different story: 3,757 runs in 134 matches at a strike rate of 146, with just two centuries. For a player known for fearless aggression, these stats feel modest at best.

"I am also very surprised because someone like Rishabh Pant, who can attack any bowler in Test cricket, his IPL stats are not as good," Pujara shared during a recent interaction. "Technically, I don't see a lot of changes needed in his batting. It's just the mindset."

Pujara believes Pant's clarity of thought wavers in T20s compared to Tests, where he knows his scoring zones and plays with instinct. In the IPL, he often looks uncertain about his approach—whether to attack early or consolidate. This indecision, Pujara argues, is costing him big runs.

Another factor? The burden of captaincy. As Delhi Capitals' skipper, Pant has had to juggle leadership responsibilities with his batting. Pujara hinted that focusing purely on his batting could unlock a new level of consistency. "He needs to develop his off-side game and have clearer plans when he walks in," he added.

With Pant currently out of India's T20I setup and behind KL Rahul in the ODI pecking order, the pressure is on to rediscover his mojo in the IPL. For fans and fantasy league players alike, a fully firing Rishabh Pant could be the game-changer every team dreams of—and Pujara believes it's only a mindset shift away.