Hyderabad, April 5 (NationPress) Rishabh Pant hailed the Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) thrilling last-over victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as a significant morale booster for the team. He credited the bowlers for establishing a strong platform before he took charge to secure the chase during a nail-biting Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday.

Pant maintained his composure in the final moments, steering Lucknow past the 157-run target with just one ball remaining, clinching a dramatic five-wicket win in a match that oscillated in intensity throughout the evening.

Reflecting on the nail-biting conclusion, the Lucknow captain emphasized that performing well under pressure would instill considerable confidence in the squad moving forward.

“For sure, it’s a significant advantage. Finishing a game like this brings a lot of positives for us,” Pant stated post-match.

He also praised his bowling lineup, which successfully limited Hyderabad to 156/9 after the hosts had rebounded from an early collapse thanks to a solid partnership between Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Pant noted that the bowlers laid the groundwork for success by taking crucial early wickets and maintaining pressure throughout the innings.

“Absolutely. We need to commend the bowlers because they are the ones who set us up for the night, especially when bowling first,” he remarked.

He highlighted the collective effort of the bowling squad, singling out multiple players who played pivotal roles in containing Hyderabad’s score. “I think Shami Bhai, Avesh, Rathi, everyone contributed significantly, especially Siddharth, who we decided would play today and he did exceptionally well for us,” he added.

The LSG captain also shared insights on the team’s mindset, emphasizing that while striving for improvement is crucial, it’s equally important to acknowledge positive performances. “We understand that no match is ever perfect. As management, we must be critical, but we also need to appreciate the positives,” he said.

He reiterated that the team's focus lies in executing their plans rather than complicating matters during games. “The only conversation is centered on executing our strategy rather than trying to do too much. Trust your preparation and approach the game confidently,” he stated.

Pant also stressed the importance of learning and evolving as the tournament unfolds. “There’s no need to dwell on past mistakes. As I mentioned earlier, we need to be critical but also focus on learning as a team and improving with each match,” he explained.

Having guided the team to victory and hitting the decisive boundary in the final over, Pant emphasized his commitment to preparation and teamwork rather than fixating on individual accolades. “What’s done is done. My focus has been on rigorous preparation and contributing fully. I prefer to respond to the game as it unfolds rather than discussing past performances. I’m here to work hard with my team and management, and that’s what matters,” he concluded.

This victory provided Lucknow with vital momentum in the tournament, as Pant’s composed finish combined with the bowlers’ disciplined display resulted in a hard-fought first win of the season.