IPL 2025: Pant Acknowledges Team's Shortfall After CSK Defeat

Synopsis

In a post-match reflection, Rishabh Pant acknowledged that Lucknow Super Giants fell short by 10-15 runs in their five-wicket defeat to Chennai Super Kings. Despite a solid performance, they struggled to build partnerships and accelerate during critical overs.

Key Takeaways

Pant's innings lacked late-game acceleration.
CSK's spinners effectively stifled scoring.
Rashid's impressive IPL debut.
CSK broke their losing streak.
Learning experience for LSG.

Lucknow, April 15 (NationPress) Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant reflected on the five-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings, acknowledging that his side came up "10-15 runs short".

Pant’s performance included a determined 63 off 49 balls — marking his first fifty of the season — but it lacked the crucial late-innings boost that the team needed. After Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran fell early during the Powerplay, Pant aimed to stabilize his innings by forming partnerships with Mitchell Marsh and Ayush Badoni. Although they set a foundation, the last ten overs saw only sporadic acceleration.

"We feel we were 10-15 runs short, we constantly lost wickets, and whenever we gained momentum, we lost it again, preventing us from forming a solid partnership. The pitch was good for batting, and we could have scored ten more runs. I’m definitely feeling more confident about my batting with each game... getting into a better rhythm," Pant stated post-match.

The turning point was during the middle overs when CSK’s spinners curtailed the scoring rate. Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Marsh and later stumped Badoni, marking MS Dhoni’s 200th IPL fielding dismissal. Noor Ahmad excelled too, especially in his duel with Pant, who managed just 6 runs off 15 balls against the left-arm wrist spinner, highlighting his innings — full of determination but lacking impact.

Despite some late boundaries from Pant against Matheesha Pathirana in the 18th over, Lucknow concluded their innings at a modest 166/7, significantly below par on a surface that was two-paced. "I considered using Bishnoi earlier, but after discussing with other players, we decided to take it deeper," Pant explained regarding his bowling strategy.

Making his IPL debut, 20-year-old Shaik Rasheed opened for CSK and made an immediate impression with 27 off 19. Together with Rachin Ravindra, who scored 37 off 22, they put together a rapid 50-run partnership in just 4.2 overs. This explosive start shifted the momentum in favor of CSK, even as LSG’s spinners managed to take timely wickets.

From a position of 111/5 in 15 overs, CSK needed 56 from 30 balls — a scenario ideal for a classic Dhoni finish. The seasoned player entered ahead of Jamie Overton and showcased his experience with a calm 26* off 11, including a spectacular one-handed six over deep square leg. Shivam Dube, supporting the chase, unleashed a flurry in the 19th over, scoring 19 off Shardul Thakur, leaving just 4 runs to win.

Dube finished not out on 43 off 37, and it was only fitting that Dhoni remained until the end as CSK ended their five-match losing streak, securing their second victory of the season.

For Pant and LSG, this loss serves as a learning experience. "I’m definitely feeling better about my batting with every game... finding my rhythm," Pant concluded.