"We need to take accountability": Rishabh Pant after LSG's Super Over loss to KKR
Lucknow, April 27
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant stressed the need to take collective accountability after the team suffered a defeat from Kolkata Knight Riders in a match that saw the first Super Over take place in the Indian Premier League 2026 season on Sunday.
LSG, chasing 156, ended their chase on 155 after Mohammed Shami struck a six off the final delivery of the second innings. Batting first in the Super Over, LSG lost two wickets at just one run as KKR's Sunil Narine first got rid of Nicholas Pooran and then dismissed Aiden Markram. KKR, chasing the target of two in the Super Over, won on the very first ball as Rinku Singh slammed a boundary.
Speaking at the post-match presentation after the loss, Rishabh Pant said the team needs a short break to reset and handle pressure better, stressing the importance of finding solutions internally. He said that the team needs to take collective responsibility, adding that every player must take accountability rather than relying on a few individuals.
"I think we definitely need a break. I think we're gonna refresh. There is always pressure, and it's gonna be a pressure game always, but at the same time, we have to look for answers inside, not outside. And just keep it simple. We need to take accountability - every guy. Like, it can't be about one or two guys. It has to be about the whole unit, and a lot of people will take accountability for that for sure," Pant said.
Lucknow Super Giants opted to send Nicholas Pooran out to bat in the Super Over despite his poor run of form. The left-hander has struggled in IPL 2026 so far, with his highest score in seven matches being just 22 off 25 balls. However, Pant said the team collectively decided to back Pooran in the Super Over, saying that even though he isn't in great form, the team trusts him in high-pressure situations.
"We discussed as a group, we had a discussion, and the name that came up was Nicholas Pooran. He might not go through the best form of his life, but at the same time, you will trust your player in a hard situation like this," Pant said.
Rishabh Pant admitted there are no excuses for the result and acknowledged the lack of positives at the moment, but expressed confidence that the team will bounce back stronger after the break.
"No excuses there. Just looking at the positive, there might not be enough positive right now, but I think after the break, there will be a lot of enough positive for sure," he said.
Coming to the match, KKR posted 155/7, recovering from a collapse at 93/7 thanks to Rinku's outstanding unbeaten 83 off 51 balls. Despite a brilliant spell from Mohsin Khan (5/23), KKR managed a competitive total after a late surge.
In reply, LSG struggled early, losing Mitchell Marsh (2) quickly. Rishabh Pant (42) and Aiden Markram (31) tried rebuilding, but their slow scoring increased pressure. Key wickets in the middle overs, including Pant and Markram, put LSG on the back foot.
Late contributions from Ayush Badoni (24) and Himmat Singh (19) kept hopes alive, and Mohammed Shami forced a Super Over with a last-ball six.
However, LSG managed just one run in the Super Over as Sunil Narine struck twice. KKR then completed the chase instantly through Rinku, capping off a dramatic victory.
After the win, KKR are now placed eighth with five points in eight matches, while LSG slipped to the bottom of the IPL 2026 standings.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The problem is deeper than just one match. LSG's batting has been fragile all season. They keep relying on one or two players and then collapse like a pack of cards. Pant talking about "collective accountability" is fine, but where is the strategy? No planning against Narine in the Super Over! 😤
Really feel for Pant. Yes, some decisions haven't worked, but he's coming back from a major injury and leading a team that's been inconsistent. The fact that Shami even took it to a Super Over showed fight. They need a reset, as he said. Give them the break and see if they come back stronger. #LSG #IPL2026
It's heartbreaking to see Pant's captaincy under scrutiny, but the truth is LSG's middle order is missing. Pooran, Badoni, Himmat Singh - none are consistent finishers. You can't keep trying the same formula and expecting different results. Rinku Singh, on the other hand, showed what a proper finisher looks like. Total class! 🔥
"No excuses" but then says "we discussed as a group" for sending Pooran. That's a contradiction, yaar! A captain needs to take tough calls. Pooran's form has been so bad that even his fans are worried. Should have sent Shami or someone with momentum. Respect to Pant for owning up, but actions speak louder than words.
Okay but let's give credit where it's due - Mohsin Khan's 5/23 was absolutely brilliant! And Sh
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