Rishabh Pant, an explosive wicketkeeper-batter, has made a significant mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since his debut in 2016. Known for his aggressive batting style and remarkable ability to perform under pressure, Pant has not only entertained fans but has also set records that remain unbroken.
As of January 12, 2025, he holds two remarkable records that showcase his dominance in the IPL. This article delves into these unique IPL records and highlights Pant’s recent achievements, including his record-breaking auction price.
Rishabh Pant’s Unbroken IPL Records
1. Most Runs by a Middle-Order Batter in a Single Season
In the 2018 IPL season, Rishabh Pant scored an astonishing 579 runs while batting primarily in the middle order. This achievement remains unparalleled, making him the highest run-scorer from this batting position in a single season. The closest competitor is Riyan Parag, who managed 573 runs in the 2024 season. Notably, Rohit Sharma ranks third with 538 runs in 2013, followed by Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik in subsequent positions.
Key Highlights of the 2018 Season:
- Team: Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils)
- Matches Played: 11
- Batting Average: 57.90
- Strike Rate: 175.98
Pant’s ability to anchor innings while maintaining a high strike rate was crucial for Delhi Capitals that season. His explosive innings included several match-winning performances that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
2. Most Sixes by a Non-Opener in a Season
In addition to his run-scoring feats, Pant also holds the record for hitting the most sixes by a non-opener in a single IPL season. He smashed an impressive 37 sixes during the 2018 season.
This record remains intact, with Shivam Dube coming in second with 35 sixes for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2023 season. Other notable players include Rajat Patidar and Riyan Parag, while MS Dhoni rounds out the top five with 30 sixes in 2018.
Comparison of Six-Hitting Records
| Player | Year | Team | Sixes |
| Rishabh Pant | 2018 | Delhi Capitals | 37 |
| Shivam Dube | 2023 | Chennai Super Kings | 35 |
| Rajat Patidar | 2022 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 32 |
| Riyan Parag | 2024 | Rajasthan Royals | 30 |
| MS Dhoni | 2018 | Chennai Super Kings | 30 |
Recent Milestone: Record Auction Price
In a historic moment for IPL, Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player ever during the IPL 2025 auction held on November 24, 2024. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured him for an astonishing ₹27 crore, surpassing all previous records.
This monumental price reflects not only his exceptional talent but also his value as a leader and brand ambassador for the team. Following closely was Shreyas Iyer, who was bought for ₹26.75 crore, marking a remarkable day for IPL auctions.
Impact of Auction Prices on Player Value
The record auction price signifies how franchises are willing to invest heavily in players who can change the course of matches. With this investment, LSG is banking on Pant’s ability to lead from the front and deliver match-winning performances consistently.
A Glimpse into Pant’s IPL Journey
Rishabh Pant joined Delhi Capitals for IPL 2016 and he became a serious contender for the team in the coming years. The tag of being an aggressive player and his capacity to handle extreme pressure has always been his hallmark his entire career.
Key Achievements:
- Highest Individual Score: Despite a rusty performance in IPL 2020, Pant managed to register a place in the record books with his brilliant knock of 128* against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2018 IPL.
- Captaincy: He was made captain of Delhi Capitals last year, 2021, at the unbelievably young age of 23 years, and that makes him one of the youngest captains in the IPL.
- Fastest Fifty: He scored the fastest fifty in IPL when he scored his fifty off only 18 balls against the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2020.
Pant’s Playing Style
Rishabh Pant loves to take risks when he is batting. He usually gets involved in careful risks such as going big against bowlers, especially in the last power play and death overs. The ability to bat with the left hand also serves as a novelty in any team, thus making him a very useful player for any franchise.
Conclusion
It is precisely for these reasons that Rishabh Pant’s contributions touch on several aspects of IPL. Most of his records such as most runs by a middle-order batter and most sixes scored by a non-opener to date support this claim. As Pant hits a new auction price every time he remains the key player in the league; however, for the first time, Pant will be playing for Lucknow SuperGiants in IPL 2025.
As Pant moves to this phase of his cricketing journey, fans of the IPL will be keen to see how the phenomenon will write his status into the annals of IPL cricket. It extends on the same lines as his physical endeavors, not restricting himself to setting records but also creating light to the young generation of cricketers as well to dream big.
