"We were 10-15 runs short": LSG skipper Rishabh Pant following six-wicket defeat against MI
Mumbai, May 5
Lucknow Super Giants Rishabh Pant admitted that LSG fell short with the bat despite a strong start in their Indian Premier League clash against Mumbai Indians, saying they should have posted 10-15 more runs on what he felt was a 220-230 pitch.
He noted the team played with freedom and refused to blame his bowlers, praising their consistent performances and taking collective responsibility for the defeat.
An explosive fifty from Nicholas Pooran and a late blitz from Himmat Singh and Aiden Markram cruised LSG to a massive 228/5 in 20 overs.
In reply, a superb 143-run stand between Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton took the MI to a six-wicket win over LSG at Wankhede Stadium on Monday. MI are in ninth place with three wins and seven losses, while LSG are at the bottom with two wins and seven losses.
"Definitely, the way we started, I think we should have gotten more runs. But definitely some good signs. Can't say that. Definitely, the boys played freely, but in the end, I think they bowled well because they are used to these conditions, for sure. We were short 10-15 runs because it was a 220-230 wicket for sure. And the way we started, we had that edge over them. But at the same time, in a wicket like this, you can't blame bowlers all the time. They've been doing a fantastic job for us. So definitely can't say much to them, for sure," Pant said after the match.
MI opted to bowl first, and knocks from Nicholas Pooran (63 in 21 balls, with four and eight sixes), Mitchell Marsh (44 in 25 balls, with six fours and three sixes) and Himmat Singh (40* in 31 balls, with two fours and two sixes) took LSG to 228/5.
However, a stand of 143 runs between Rickelton (83 in 32 balls, with six fours and eight sixes) and Rohit (84 in 44 balls, with six fours and seven sixes) helped MI make a light work of the chase and completed the chase in 18.4 overs.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good on Pant for not blaming the bowlers, but let's be real - this bowling attack is leaking runs left and right. Bishnoi was the only one who showed some fight. That 143-run partnership just steamrolled the game. Rohit and Rickelton, take a bow! 👏
Pant's captaincy is questionable at times, but you can't fault his honesty. He's right about that 220-230 wicket. Pooran's innings was brilliant, but the middle order just didn't capitalize. LSG's season is practically over now. Need a miracle to qualify.
That was vintage Rohit Sharma! After all the criticism about his form, he comes back with a bang. And Rickelton, what a player! 83 off 32 - that's serious hitting. Pant's analysis is spot on, but you have to give credit to MI's batting. They were phenomenal.
I feel for Pant, he's trying his best but the team balance is all wrong. No proper death bowler, over-dependence on Pooran... and the fielding let them down too. Still, gotta appreciate his positive attitude. LSG fans, hang in there! 🙏
I disagree with Pant a bit. 228 should have been enough on any wicket! The issue was the bowling - they gave away too many boundaries in the middle overs. Rohit and Rickelton just toyed with them. That said, Pooran's knock was absolute fire. What a hitter!
M Manish T