Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant admitted that his team let a winnable contest slip after a six-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians on Monday. Chasing a challenging total, Mumbai Indians reached the target with eight balls remaining, helped by a pair of rapid half-centuries from Rohit Sharma (84) and Ryan Rickelton (83). Pant felt Lucknow could have created a bigger cushion after they posted 228 for five, and said a small swing in runs would likely have changed the outcome as their playoff chances now hang by a thread.
What Pant said after the defeat
In the post-match presentation, Pant pointed to the start Lucknow made and suggested they should have capitalised more when they had momentum. He also acknowledged that Mumbai’s bowlers benefited from familiarity with the conditions, making it tougher to keep pushing the scoring rate.
- Pant said Lucknow’s batting start suggested they “should have gotten more runs,” even though the batters played with freedom for spells.
- He credited Mumbai with bowling well and suggested the visitors were more accustomed to the pitch and conditions.
- He estimated that Lucknow were short by around 10–15 runs, arguing that the wicket looked like one that would suit totals in the 220–230 range.
- Pant added that on a surface like that, it is not fair to blame the bowlers alone for the result.
- Looking ahead, he said Lucknow’s remaining games will require a slice of luck, while also emphasising that the team must put in more effort.
- He praised the work of the LSG bowling unit, saying they have been doing “fantastic” jobs and that he could not criticise them.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s perspective
Stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav said he was concerned by Lucknow’s strong start, but felt Mumbai’s belief was strengthened by how similar matches have played out earlier in the season. He highlighted that the post-powerplay phase, from overs seven to ten, was a key window where control could be wrestled back.
- Suryakumar said Mumbai have faced comparable situations many times this season, making the scenario familiar rather than new.
- He noted that T20 outcomes often tilt after the powerplay, calling overs 7–10 the period when games can be pulled back.
- He felt that once Mumbai managed “two wickets here and there,” the team could take control of proceedings.
- Suryakumar praised how the bowlers responded, describing it as a display of character.
- He described Mumbai’s overall performance as “unbelievable,” saying each player had a clear plan and belief in the approach.
- He added that his involvement was minimal—framing it as small, situational backing rather than constant instructions.
- He said the manner in which the bowlers executed their skills was commendable.
Why Mumbai believed the chase was always on
Suryakumar also explained the mindset behind the 200-plus chase. He pointed out that Mumbai had previously scored 244 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and still ended up on the losing side, reinforcing confidence that totals above 220 can be chased. He also referenced Lucknow’s own recent scoring mark, suggesting the match-up played into the expectation of another high chase.
- He said even in Mumbai’s own game a few days earlier, they posted 244 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and still lost, which strengthened the belief that 220–plus targets remain chaseable.
- Suryakumar added that when Lucknow scored 244 earlier as well and Sunrisers chased it, the pattern confirmed that totals in the 220–225–230 bracket are realistically within reach.
- On the chase itself, he singled out Ryan Rickelton for batting beautifully, saying his form set the tone early.
- He highlighted that at the toss, Rohit Sharma returned to the XI, describing him as fit and ready for action.
- Suryakumar said Rohit’s impact was not only effective but also entertaining for the crowd, describing the display as “unbelievable.”
- He concluded by stressing that getting off to a good start is crucial when chasing 200–225, and said the pair’s combined batting looked like Mumbai were always in control.
