New Delhi: Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant expressed frustration after his team’s ninth loss in the Indian Premier League 2026, which occurred against the Rajasthan Royals on May 19. With their elimination from the tournament, LSG aims to avoid finishing at the bottom of the points table.
In a post-match presentation, Pant was asked about their upcoming match against the Punjab Kings on Saturday. “We are proud as a team regardless of how our situation is right now. You know, the kind of team we have, we know we can win this. Regardless of anything, we are confident enough as a team and as individuals. It hasn’t gone our way, and everyone knows that, but that doesn’t take away the fact that we are a f**cking good team,” Pant stated.
Pant noted that LSG struggled in the middle and late overs during the clash against the Royals. LSG’s innings started well, reaching 105 runs without loss after eight overs, but they managed only 115 runs in the subsequent 12 overs, hampered by economical bowling from Jofra Archer, who delivered an impressive five-run 20th over. Pant reflected on missed opportunities, asserting, “I think there are a few ways to look at it. In the middle overs and then in the last over, the way Archer bowled, I think it was really good. But we could have actually scored five or ten runs more on this kind of wicket when you get that kind of start, and we just couldn’t capitalise in the last over.”
Regarding the absence of key bowler Mohammed Shami, Pant acknowledged the impact of his experience. “Experience is something you’re always going to miss, regardless of whether things go good or bad, because experience can’t be earned overnight. It takes years for people to gain that experience, and definitely in pressure situations, that is one thing which keeps you ahead for sure,” he explained.
The Rajasthan Royals, who had a slower start, were led by 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who ultimately scored 68 runs off 22 balls, helping the Royals secure victory with seven wickets remaining and five balls to spare. The decision to delay bringing in Shahbaz Ahmed was based on the situation, as Pant noted, “Definitely, the left-handers. They had been batting for a period of time. And exposing a left-arm spinner, I didn’t want that, because [Digvesh] Rathi (4-0-38-0) was in the side. So why take a chance on Shabby when Rathi is there, for sure?”
With this defeat, LSG remains at the bottom of the points table, currently tied on points with the ninth-placed Mumbai Indians. However, their inferior net run rate keeps them in the 10th spot as they strive to avoid finishing last in the tournament.
ALSO READ | IPL 2026 updated points table after RR’s stellar win over LSG as PBKS fall out of top four
