LSG skipper Rishabh Pant credited disciplined bowling and game awareness for their narrow four-run win over KKR.
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant revealed that his message to the bowlers was to remain focused and avoid unnecessary experimentation after Kolkata Knight Riders launched a fiery start in their mammoth 239-run chase.
KKR looked well on course at 129/2 at the 10-over mark, but a sudden middle-order collapse shifted momentum back in LSG’s favour, helping them secure a thrilling four-run victory.
“After the first powerplay, we spoke with the bowlers about sticking to the plan and not trying to do too much. I think when we batted we didn’t realise but after the powerplay we knew it would be really close,” said Pant at the post-match presentation.
The LSG skipper also explained the decision to deliberately slow down the tempo of the game to break KKR’s rhythm. “Definitely it was a conscious decision because when the game is running at that pace, you have to slow it down. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I am happy it worked today,” he added.
LSG batter Nicholas Pooran was named Player of the Match for his outstanding unbeaten 87 off just 36 balls, which included eight sixes and seven fours. Pooran credited his big-hitting success to consistent practice. “I practice (six hitting) a lot. Everything you’re seeing in the game, it’s because of the practice. At the moment it’s just flowing really nicely. You understand what’s needed in a game. Guys are bowling full and wide, short balls, spinners are bowling straight. So you work on that,” Pooran said.
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He also lauded his teammates Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh for their consistent efforts throughout the tournament. “Through the tournament Aiden (Markram) and Mitch (Marsh) have been brilliant for us. They’re batting so good in partnerships. They are dropping their egos and playing the situation. And I am really happy with how we are doing as a batting unit,” he added.
Despite the loss, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane remained positive, acknowledging that it was a tough day for bowlers, even for their experienced spinners. “When you are chasing 230-plus, you will lose wickets in the chase. This was one of the best wickets to bat on. Batters had to take a little time to get in. The bowling attack we have, we control our middle-overs really well. Sunil (Narine) was struggling with the ball,” Rahane said.
He added that the usually reliable spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy found it hard to restrict batters in the middle phase. “Sunil and Varun usually dominate the middle overs, but it was tough for the bowlers today,” Rahane concluded.
With 472 runs scored across 40 overs, the match turned out to be one of the most entertaining contests of IPL 2025 so far, showcasing the fine balance between big-hitting and tactical bowling.
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