Lucknow Super Giants LSG captain Rishabh Pantrsquos dismal IPL 2025 campaign hit a new low on Sunday as his team suffered a 37-run defeat to Punjab Kings PBKS in Dharamsala. The 27-year-old managed just 18 runs off 17 balls extending his season tally to a mere 128 runs across 11 innings his worst performance since his 2016 IPL debut. Acquired for a record Rs 27 crore at the 2024 mega auction Pantrsquos strike rate of 99.22 and lone half-century have left fans and analysts baffled. Sehwagrsquos Prescription Dial Dhoni Former India opener Virender Sehwag has urged Pant to analyse his pre-injury success and reconnect with MS Dhoni his longtime mentor. Speaking on Cricbuzz Sehwag emphasised the mental toll of Pantrsquos struggles ldquoHe should watch old clips where he dominated bowlers. When routines change confidence dips. In 2006/07 Rahul Dravid told me to retrace my stepsmdashPant needs that clarity now.rdquo Sehwag doubled down on his advice stressing Dhonirsquos role ldquoHe has a phone why not call his idol? Dhoni can lift his mindset. Talking to seniors helps escape negative thoughts.rdquo The remark comes amid growing scrutiny over Pantrsquos leadership and batting approach especially with the teams fielding and bowling techniques and an inconsistent top order. ALSO READLSG owner Sanjiv Goenkas post on RRs Vaibhav Suryavanshi goes viral LSGrsquos Playoff Math Gets Murkier Sundayrsquos loss their sixth of the season has pushed LSG to seventh place on the points table. With just five wins from 11 games and a net run rate of -0.469 their playoff hopes now hinge on winning all three remaining matches and relying on other results. Their upcoming fixturesmdashagainst Royal Challengers Bengaluru May 9 Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabadmdashdemand not just victories but massive margins to offset their poor NRR. With LSGrsquos season on a knifersquos edge Pant faces a career-defining challenge. As pressure mounts the next week could either resurrect Pantrsquos legacy or cement this season as his darkest chapter.