Rishabh Pant Opens Up on Batting Strategy and LSG’s Stellar Win Against Gujarat Titans

In a candid post-match revelation, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rishabh Pant shared his approach to breaking out of a frustrating form slump during Saturday’s thrilling six-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) at the iconic Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

Pant, who was acquired by LSG for a staggering Rs 27 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, has struggled to find his rhythm this season, managing just 40 runs in six matches. However, in a tactical move prompted by the absence of key batter Mitchell Marsh, Pant was promoted to open the innings against GT. The dynamic left-hander seized the opportunity, scoring a promising 21 runs off 18 balls, laced with four crisp boundaries, before being dismissed by pacer Prasidh Krishna.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Pant reflected on his mindset: ‘I’m feeling much better with every game. With Marsh unavailable, I saw this as a chance to spend more time at the crease. I thought the longer I stay in the middle, the better it will be for my confidence moving forward in this IPL 2024 tournament.’

While Pant’s cameo provided a glimpse of his destructive potential, it was Nicholas Pooran who stole the show with a scintillating 61 off 34 balls, marking his fourth fifty of the season. Pant couldn’t hold back his admiration, stating, ‘We are incredibly lucky to have Nicholas Pooran in our squad. His ability to read the game and execute his shots is simply phenomenal.’

LSG’s triumph wasn’t just about batting prowess; their bowling unit played a pivotal role in turning the tide after GT’s fiery start. Pant hailed his bowlers’ discipline, particularly their use of yorkers and slower deliveries. ‘The way we clawed back after their strong opening was remarkable. Our plan was to bowl into the pitch with variations, and the execution was absolutely spot-on,’ he added.

This victory, LSG’s fourth in six matches, propelled them to third place on thepoints table, intensifying the race for playoff spots. With momentum on their side, Pant and his team now gear up for a high-voltage clash against defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Monday, a match that promises to test their mettle further.

As Rishabh Pant works to rediscover his explosive form, LSG fans remain hopeful that their captain will soon unleash the fearless cricket that made him a household name following his remarkable recovery from a life-threatening car accident in December 2022. For now, this win serves as a stepping stone for both Pant and LSG in their pursuit of IPL glory.