Rishabh Pant delivered an emphatic response to the criticism around his recent T20 form as Lucknow Super Giants beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by five wickets on Sunday. The LSG captain has faced intense scrutiny after a dip in performance, a downturn that also kept him out of India’s T20 World Cup squad. In a chase of 157, Pant finished unbeaten on 68, helping his team cross the line with six balls to spare.
Chase setup: Pant walks in at No. 3
Lucknow were pursuing 157 when Mitchell Marsh’s stay ended early. Marsh was dismissed for 14 in the fifth over by Ehsan Malinga, and that moment brought Pant to the crease at number three. At that stage, LSG were 37/1.
- Pant arrived at No. 3 after Marsh fell for 14 in the fifth over.
- LSG were 37/1 when Pant began his knock.
Key knocks and turning points
On his introduction, Pant started with patience, allowing Aiden Markram to take charge of the scoring. However, Markram couldn’t convert his start into a larger innings, and when the opener departed, Pant was sitting at 17* from 17 deliveries.
- Pant began cautiously, letting Markram work the strike.
- After Markram’s exit, Pant was 17* off 17 balls.
Despite the steady platform, LSG lost another batter soon. The opener, who couldn’t reach a half-century, finished with 45 off 27 balls in the 10th over. Ayush Badoni then failed to build a meaningful stand with Pant, departing in the 13th over.
- Markram missed a fifty narrowly, departing for 45 off 27 balls in the 10th over.
- Ayush Badoni (12) couldn’t extend the partnership and fell in the 13th over.
Pooran’s dismissal changes the equation
Nicholas Pooran was dismissed in the next over in a run-out that stood out for its unusual nature. After that, Abdul Samad tried to keep the momentum going alongside Pant as LSG shifted gears in the 16th over.
- Nicholas Pooran (1) was removed via a bizarre run-out in the 14th over.
Late acceleration: Samad and Pant finish the job
In the 16th over, Samad began to counter-attack, striking pacer Jaydev Unadkat for two fours as Pant pushed the chase forward. The following over brought another boundary burst from Samad—this time against Malinga—also for two fours. Yet Samad’s resistance didn’t last long; he was dismissed in the next over for 16.
- Samad struck Jaydev Unadkat for two fours in the 16th over.
- Samad then hit Malinga for two fours in the 17th over.
- Samad (16) fell in the following over.
Pant went on to reach his half-century off 43 balls shortly after, and the chase tightened further in the final over. With nine required from six deliveries, Pant opened the last over with back-to-back overs—once again finding Unadkat as a target.
Unadkat responded with back-to-back dot balls, but Pant didn’t let the pressure grow. He struck another four to steer Lucknow to a five-wicket victory.
- LSG needed nine off the final six balls.
- Pant started the last over with consecutive scoring moments against Unadkat.
- Unadkat replied with back-to-back dots before Pant hit another four.
- Result: Lucknow Super Giants won by five wickets.
What Pant said after the match
In the post-match presentation, Pant addressed the noise around his form and his role in the team. He said there is never a “perfect match” and that while criticism is part of the process for the management, the key is to focus on executing the plan and trusting preparation.
On his approach, Pant added that the right conversation is about carrying out the plan rather than thinking he has to do everything himself. He also emphasised learning as a group and improving every match.
“Let my bat do the talking”
When asked about his batting, which has drawn frequent scrutiny in T20 cricket, Pant underlined that his preparations for the ongoing season have been strong. He referenced the tournament opener against Delhi Capitals, where he opened the innings for LSG and was dismissed for seven off nine balls.
Pant’s message was direct: he prefers to focus on work with the team and management rather than talking about his performances. He said he wants to trust preparation, stay committed, and “let my bat do the talking.”
- Pant said the focus should be on executing the plan and trusting preparation.
- He stressed that the team is looking to learn and improve match by match.
- He noted his personal preparation ahead of the season.
- In the opener vs DC, Pant opened for LSG and scored seven off nine balls.
- Pant reiterated, “I just let my bat do the talking.”
