Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Nandre Burger received a disciplinary blow after the side’s IPL contest against Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday. Burger was fined 10% of his match earnings and also served one demerit point for a breach of the league’s Code of Conduct during the game. The South Africa international admitted to a Level 1 offence linked to Article 2.5, which covers language, actions, or gestures that disparage or could spark an aggressive response from another player on the field. He accepted the sanction proposed by the match referee.
On the field, Rajasthan Royals made their way to a 40-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants, a result that left Lucknow’s leadership and batting unit struggling to find answers after being overpowered.
Lucknow’s aftermath: Pant accepts responsibility
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant said his side had no real solution to the defensive challenge they faced, beyond owning up to the fact that they did not read the pitch conditions properly. Pant expressed disappointment that the batting group failed to chase the target effectively, especially after the team was dismissed for 119 while pursuing a modest 160.
- Pant admitted he did not have answers externally, saying the batting let the team down and that the disappointment was shared across the group.
- He argued that the team must search for improvements from within, adding that they could have spent more time at the crease during the chase.
- He insisted there were no excuses, including from himself, and said the batting unit must “put our hands up” for falling short.
- Mohammed Shami’s bowling performance stood out in Pant’s view, and Pant pointed to it as the positive takeaway from the defeat.
- Looking ahead, Pant said the squad needs to keep their heads up, focus on internal fixes, and believe in their ability to change the course of the season with their batting firepower.
Riyan Parag on Rajasthan’s execution and his own form
Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag indicated that there was genuine assistance for the bowlers on the surface, which helped shape the match. Parag highlighted how the bowling lines and lengths from Burger and Jofra Archer made an impact, and he suggested the internal team message after the game had been upbeat.
- Parag said Rajasthan knew the contest would swing, pointing to the effectiveness of Burger and Archer’s bowling.
- He added that the communication within the group had been very positive.
- Regarding his own performance and overall contribution, Parag acknowledged that he has been dealing with personal challenges, while stressing that the team fully supports him.
- He said he had been going through something and even at the time of speaking he was still dealing with it, with everyone understanding the situation.
(With PTI inputs)
