Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rishabh Pant acknowledged that it is hard to single out one specific reason for the defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), noting that while the bowlers have generally performed well, there are still areas that need improvement.
He pointed out that there were encouraging signs with the bat, reflecting the team’s plans, and stressed the importance of taking positives from the game. Pant added that the team remains focused on improving collectively and delivering consistent performances in every match going forward.
Exceptional knocks from Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly, and a squeeze put by bowlers in the second half, helped PBKS secure a 54-run win over LSG at Mullanpur on Sunday.
“See, it’s difficult to point out one area because bowlers have been putting up a nice show, but at the same time, there are areas of concern. But there were some positives for us also to work around. There was a glimpse of batting, which we talked about. Definitely look to take some positives, but at the same time, as a team, we’re going to do well every match,” Pant said after the match.
LSG, in a massive chase of 255, took a bold decision to send young Ayush Badoni to open the innings in place of Aiden Markram. Pant explained that promoting Badoni to open was a pre-planned decision aimed at bringing more freedom and intent at the top of the order.
He said the move wasn’t a last-minute call, but part of a broader strategy to allow the top order to play more freely while the middle order contributes effectively.
“I think the idea was to just go out there and play freely. It wasn’t taken just today. It was pre-decided that he’s going to open. It was just something we kept inside. We wanted some freedom on the top order, and just the middle order wanted to chip in,” he added.
PBKS are at the top of the table, unbeaten, with five wins and a no result, giving them 11 points. LSG is at the eighth spot in the points table with two wins and four losses.
PBKS raced to 254/7, with knocks from Priyansh (93 in 37 balls, with four boundaries and nine sixes) and Connolly (87 in 46 balls, with eight fours and seven sixes) taking them to such a big score.
LSG had their moments, with a 61-run opening stand between Ayush Badoni (35 in 21 balls, with five fours and a six) and Mitchell Marsh (40 in 28 balls, with three fours and two sixes) and a counter-attack from Rishabh Pant (43 in 23 balls, with a four and four sixes), but it was not enough.
Shreyas Iyer said: (How did the partnership make you feel when you were watching it?) It was exceptional, first of all. Some of the shots I saw were jaw-dropping, honestly speaking. Hitting fast bowlers off the back foot straight, and spinners as well – it takes a lot of courage and composure at the same time, because things can slip at any moment. But the way they built that partnership, especially in the middle overs, it was sensational.
(How much do you as a team discuss how you need to become a really good six-hitting side from top to middle?) I was just talking with Cooper and Priyansh at the moment, and we said let us compete in this IPL for who hits the most sixes. We are up for it, and the prize is going to be my bat. So it doesn’t make much sense, but at the end of the day, as long as they keep performing and I keep performing, I’m happy. I personally feel that when you just let them be, let them go out there and express themselves, they deliver at that time.”
“So that has been our mantra so far. I don’t tell them how to go about their specific innings against different teams. I think they’ve got their patterns set, and every individual in the team has their own routines and processes which they follow – and they are delivering. So I don’t have to say much. We just talk, Ricky motivates just before the game, I also chip in with a few words, and definitely the boys come and deliver.”
(How satisfied were you with the way the middle overs went?) I think the majority of the bowlers in our team are international-level players, and you’ve seen they’ve been doing fantastic for their respective teams internationally. They’ve got immense experience as well. So again, I don’t have to tell them much. We discuss, we have a set of plans against certain batters, and it’s all about execution. I personally feel that today, the way they bowled – and the way they’ve been bowling throughout the season – has been sensational. They just have to keep executing and not get complacent at any point of time.
(Making it a bit of a fortress here in New Chandigarh?) Yes, absolutely. I feel that whenever we come and see the wicket now before the game, it gives us immense pleasure that we are a part of this team. Also last year we had to brainstorm about how we were going to come this season and see to it how we build the wicket and support our batsmen as well as bowlers at the same time. So far, so good,” he concluded.
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