IPL 2025: Pant Reflects on LSG's Defeat to PBKS, Admits to Runs Shortfall

Synopsis

In a recent loss to Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants' captain Rishabh Pant expressed that his team fell short by 20-30 runs. The match showcased Punjab's dominance in both batting and bowling, highlighting crucial moments that shifted the game's momentum.

Key Takeaways

Rishabh Pant admitted LSG was 20-30 runs short.
Punjab Kings displayed impressive bowling and batting skills.
Pant's early exit contributed to LSG's struggles.
Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni attempted to stabilize the innings.
Prabhsimran Singh led Punjab's chase with a stunning 69 runs.

Lucknow, April 1 (NationPress) Captain Rishabh Pant acknowledged that his squad was "20 to 30 runs short" after the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) faced a disappointing eight-wicket defeat against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. LSG struggled to match the relentless performance of a dominant Punjab side that excelled in both bowling and batting.

Pant's early dismissal during the power-play epitomized LSG's challenges, as PBKS' strategic acumen and precise execution left the home team in disarray. Batting first, LSG’s innings never quite gained momentum following a shaky start.

The experienced duo of Pant and Nicholas Pooran were expected to anchor LSG's innings, but Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer had different plans. Aware of Pant's difficulties against Glenn Maxwell in previous encounters, Iyer introduced the Australian all-rounder early into the attack, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Maxwell forced Pant into a reckless shot, dismissing him cheaply and plunging LSG into deeper trouble.

"It wasn’t sufficient; we were 20-25 runs short. That’s part of the game – our first home match, so we are still evaluating the conditions. The early wickets were definitely a setback. It’s always tough to reach a bigger total after losing early wickets. While we can’t control everything, each player is striving to advance the game," Pant stated post-match.

Pooran and Ayush Badoni attempted to stabilize the innings with a resilient 54-run partnership, with Pooran notably taking the fight to Punjab. His score of 44 off 30 balls included five boundaries and two towering sixes. However, just as he seemed poised to unleash more damage, Yuzvendra Chahal struck, compelling a mistimed shot that was caught by Maxwell at long-off.

With LSG in a precarious position, Badoni accelerated the innings, finding a dynamic partner in Abdul Samad. Samad's brisk 27 off 12 balls, highlighted by three sixes, provided LSG with hope for a competitive total of 171/7.

The chase was set to hinge on Punjab’s top-order response, which was executed with authority. Although Priyansh Arya was dismissed early by Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prabhsimran Singh seized control, racing to an impressive 69 off just 34 balls, striking LSG bowlers all over the ground.

Shreyas Iyer, who had already orchestrated Punjab’s command in the field, took the reins with the bat. He played a perfect role as the anchor while ensuring the scoreboard kept moving. Nehal Wadhera, brought on as an impact player, turned the chase into a formality with a dazzling 43 off 25 balls. His innings, featuring three boundaries and four massive sixes, left LSG bowlers in disarray.

"The strategy was to create a slow wicket since we felt it was our home ground and would hold up a bit. Bowling slowly made it stick. We weren’t good enough today. We will learn from this and progress. There are definitely many positives; it’s early in the tournament, and we’re still figuring out various aspects for the team. Hopefully, it will all come together nicely for us," Pant concluded.