"Could have scored five or 10 more runs": LSG skipper Rishabh Pant after five-wicket loss vs RR
Jaipur, May 20
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant admitted his side could have added a few more runs in the death overs and highlighted the lack of experience in pressure situations after LSG suffered a five-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals in their Indian Premier League 2026 clash in Jaipur on Tuesday night.
Despite posting a formidable 220/5 after strong knocks from Mitchell Marsh (96) and Josh Inglis (60), LSG were unable to defend the total as RR completed a successful chase, powered by a blistering innings from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed 93 runs.
Reflecting on the match, Pant credited RR pacer Jofra Archer for a strong final over and felt LSG missed the chance to push their total further.
"In the middle overs, the way Archer bowled the last over was really good. Here we could have scored five or 10 more runs, but we couldn't in the last over," Pant said after the match.
Pant also spoke about the challenges faced by the bowling unit on a batting-friendly pitch and explained the tactical decision to delay using Shahbaz Ahmed against RR's left-handed batters.
"You always want to back your bowlers, but it's hard. On a wicket like this, it's hard, and too many suggestions also don't work. Experience is something you'll always miss; it takes years to get that. It always keeps you out for sure in a pressure situation. Definitely the left-handers (to not bowl Shahbaz earlier), so we bowled Rathi, and we didn't want to expose Shahbaz," he added.
Despite the defeat, Pant backed his side and expressed pride in the team's overall effort during the season.
"I'm proud of the team regardless. It doesn't take away the fact that we're a good team," he said. (ANI)
Coming to the clash, LSG posted a strong total of 220/5 after being asked to bat first by the Royals RR in their IPL 2026 clash at Jaipur, built on an explosive opening stand between Josh Inglis and Mitchell Marsh.
LSG raced to 83/0 in the powerplay, their fourth-highest of the season, before Inglis smashed a 30-ball fifty and added a 109-run opening partnership with Marsh. Inglis fell for 60, but Marsh continued the charge with a 25-ball half-century and went on to score 96 off 57 deliveries.
Late contributions from skipper Rishabh Pant helped LSG cross the 200-run mark, although he and Marsh were both run out in the final over as LSG finished at 220/5. For RR, Yash Raj Punja claimed 2/35 while Jofra Archer picked up one wicket.
In response, Sooryavanshi scored a blistering 93 off just 38 balls, hitting 10 sixes and 7 fours, while Jurel contributed a quick 53 off 38 deliveries, including 10 sixes and seven fours as Royals secured a convincing seven-wicket win. With this win, RR climbs to 4th spot in the IPL points table with 14 points under their belt.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Typical LSG—score big but can't defend. Pant is right about missing experience in pressure. Our bowling unit looks shaky in crunch moments. We need a proper death bowler. 😤
Marsh was brilliant with that 96, and Inglis set the platform. But why didn't they bowl Shahbaz Ahmed earlier? That tactical delay cost them. Pant is a good captain but he has to learn to adapt faster on flat decks.
Sooryavanshi is the future of Indian cricket, no doubt! But I feel for Pant—he's trying his best with limited resources. The team spirit is there, they just need to execute better in the final overs. Chin up, LSG! 💪🌟
One respectful criticism: Pant's captaincy needs more aggression. You can't always wait for experience to come; sometimes you have to trust your bowlers earlier. That said, RR played exceptionally well. Great match overall! 👏
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