Lucknow Super Giants, led by Rishabh Pant, are staring at the bottom of the 10-team Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 standings after managing only two victories from eight matches. Their latest setback arrived on Sunday against Kolkata Knight Riders in a tense, low-scoring contest that ultimately flipped on a Super Over.
Kolkata’s batting surge sets up the twist
In a match where runs were at a premium, Kolkata still managed to reach a competitive total thanks to Rinku Singh’s explosive contribution. Singh smashed an 83-run knock off 51 deliveries to power the Knight Riders to 155/7.
- Rinku Singh’s 83 (off 51 balls) drove Kolkata to 155/7.
- Lucknow, despite a strong batting lineup on paper, could not finish the job in regular time.
- The tie forced a Super Over, where the outcome became the defining moment.
Lucknow’s batting shuffle and Pant’s blunt reality check
Lucknow’s approach showed signs of tinkering yet again as they altered their top order for this game. The Super Giants brought Aiden Markram back into the opening slot alongside Mitchell Marsh, while Ayush Badoni was promoted to the No. 5 position. However, the reshuffle did not deliver the desired momentum, and Pant acknowledged the mounting pressure being felt across the group.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, the captain made it clear that the team may need to reset mentally after another difficult result.
- LSG changed their opening combination: Aiden Markram returned as opener with Mitchell Marsh.
- Ayush Badoni was moved to the No. 5 spot.
- Pant said the team “needs a break” and discussed the constant pressure that comes with every game.
- He added that solutions should be found within the squad rather than looking outward.
- Pant stressed accountability across the entire unit, stating it cannot be limited to one or two individuals.
Super Over drama: Pooran’s call and Rathi’s final-over controversy
The match entered a Super Over after Mohammed Shami struck a last-ball six, giving Lucknow a surprising lifeline to chase two points. Yet in a move that caught attention, Pant opted to send Nicholas Pooran—out of form recently—to face Sunil Narine.
That decision proved costly in the end: Lucknow managed only one run in the Super Over before Narine struck twice with wickets to close the contest.
Afterwards, Pant explained that he and the group backed Pooran despite his current form, insisting trust in a hard situation is essential.
- Shami’s last-ball six forced the Super Over.
- Pant’s Super Over call: Nicholas Pooran was sent in to face Sunil Narine.
- LSG scored just one run in the Super Over.
- Narine took two wickets to end the over and seal the result.
Why Pant backed Pooran
Pant said the team discussed options together and that the name that came up was “Nicky P.” He acknowledged that Pooran might not be in his best patch, but argued that backing a player in a tough scenario matters. Pant also suggested that while positives may be scarce right now, the upcoming break should bring renewed clarity and confidence.
Digvesh Rathi’s 20th over under scrutiny
There was another flashpoint in Pant’s captaincy regarding the final over of Kolkata’s innings. Pant chose spinner Digvesh Rathi to bowl the 20th over, and with Rinku Singh still at the crease, Rathi conceded four consecutive sixes. That surge helped the Knight Riders move beyond the 150-run mark—setting up the tight finish that followed.
When asked about giving Rathi the last over, Pant defended the decision by saying that bowlers sometimes have to handle the difficult overs, particularly when wickets are the target. He also noted that he had been looking for breakthroughs earlier, but they simply did not come, and that having too many minds on the field can complicate matters.
- Pant selected Digvesh Rathi for the final over of KKR’s innings.
- With Rinku Singh in, Rathi conceded four straight sixes.
- Kolkata still surpassed the 150-run mark due to that over.
- Pant said bowlers sometimes must bowl “hard overs,” especially when wickets are the plan.
- He added that his mindset was focused on seeking a wicket, and that too many thoughts can make things harder on the ground.
