T20 World Cup 2026: Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has shared a strong and clear message for Rishabh Pant, saying that one change could completely transform the wicketkeeper’s T20 career. According to Uthappa, Pant belongs at the top of the order in T20 cricket, and continuing to bat in the middle order will only hurt his chances.
Uthappa believes that Rishabh Pant’s natural attacking game is best suited for the powerplay and that batting higher could help him rediscover his best form.
IPL 2026 Could Shape Pant’s T20 Career
Rishabh Pant was recently left out of India’s squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, putting extra attention on his next big assignment in the format. That assignment is IPL 2026, where Pant will captain the Lucknow Super Giants.
Robin Uthappa feels the upcoming season could be a defining moment for Pant in T20 cricket. Since returning from his serious accident, Pant has yet to fully show the destructive batting fans know he is capable of. Batting at the top, either as an opener or at number three, would allow him to play freely and take control early in the innings.
Why the Powerplay Is Perfect for Rishabh Pant
Robin Uthappa strongly believes that the powerplay suits Pant’s style of play. With fielding restrictions in place, Pant would get the freedom to attack without pressure, something Uthappa feels is key to unlocking his best form.
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He urged Pant to open the batting or come in at number three for Lucknow Super Giants, saying Pant becomes nearly unstoppable once he settles in.
Robin Uthappa said on his YouTube channel, “He must open. He will have the field open, and once he is set, no one can stop him. Why do you want to put yourself in a tough position? Maximize your potential. Once he is set, the field will not matter to him. Nothing will matter. He will smash it.”
Robin Uthappa’s Frustration With Pant’s Role in IPL 2025
Robin Uthappa also spoke openly about his frustration with how Pant was used during IPL 2025. Despite being the captain of LSG, Pant mostly batted at number five, and the season turned out to be a difficult one for him.
After being bought for a record-breaking INR 27 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, Pant scored 269 runs in 14 matches, including just one hundred and fifty. Uthappa felt this was not a true reflection of Pant’s ability.
Proof Pant Can Deliver at the Top
Uthappa pointed out that Pant has already shown what he can do when promoted up the order. He highlighted Pant’s unbeaten 118 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru while batting at number three as clear proof that the left-hander thrives when given more time at the crease.
Based on that performance, Robin Uthappa believes Pant must open for LSG in IPL 2026 to get the best out of his talent.
“Bro, please open” – Uthappa’s Final Message
Robin Uthappa ended his comments with a heartfelt appeal, making it clear that he still believes strongly in Pant’s potential.
“I am very patient personally with Pant. I believe that if he opens or plays at three, we will see the best of him soon. I was very happy when he was playing at three in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He is such a batter who should get more balls in T20 cricket. He should be given the freedom of the power play. I was so frustrated that he was the captain of LSG and batting at five. If this reaches him, bro, please open it; you will shake Indian T20 cricket.”
With IPL 2026 around the corner, all eyes will be on where Rishabh Pant bats and whether he takes Uthappa’s advice to heart.
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