Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant admitted that pinning the loss to Punjab Kings on a single factor is difficult, even as he felt the bowling unit has largely done its job. After going down to PBKS, Pant pointed to a few areas that require attention, while also highlighting that there were encouraging moments with the bat. He underlined the need for the team to extract positives from the defeat and keep building as a group, insisting that LSG’s focus remains on producing steady performances match after match.
Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly delivered standout batting displays, and PBKS tightened the screws during the later stages of the innings to clinch a 54-run victory over LSG at Mullanpur on Sunday.
“See, it’s difficult to identify just one specific issue because the bowlers have been showing up well, but we also know there are things we need to work on. At the same time, there were positives for us too—there was a clear glimpse of batting, which is something we discussed. Definitely take those positives, but as a team we want to perform well every match,” Pant said after the game.
In a high-pressure chase of 255, LSG made a bold call by promoting youngster Ayush Badoni to open the innings, replacing Aiden Markram. Pant explained that the move was not improvised on the day but rather a decision that had been planned in advance, designed to give more freedom and intent to the top of the order.
He added that the change wasn’t a last-minute tweak, but part of a wider plan to ensure the openers can play with more confidence while the middle order adds momentum and finishes the job.
“I think the idea was to go out there and play freely. It wasn’t decided just today. It was pre-decided that he would open. We had kept it in mind—wanted a bit of freedom at the top, and then the middle order would chip in,” Pant said.
With the win, Punjab Kings sit at the summit of the points table and remain unbeaten, having collected five victories along with one no result to reach 11 points. Lucknow, meanwhile, are positioned eighth, with two wins and four defeats from their matches so far.
PBKS posted 254/7, powered by Priyansh’s 93 off 37 balls, featuring four boundaries and nine maximums, and Connolly’s 87 off 46 deliveries, which included eight fours and seven sixes. Those contributions helped Punjab set a demanding total.
LSG did have periods of momentum, including a 61-run opening partnership between Badoni and Mitchell Marsh—Badoni made 35 off 21 balls with five fours and a six, while Marsh struck 40 off 28 with three fours and two sixes. Rishabh Pant also launched a counter-attack with 43 off 23 balls, striking a four and four sixes, but the charge ultimately fell short.
