- LSG lost to Punjab Kings by 54 runs
- Bowlers strugged in last game
- Currently eighth with two wins
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant feels that his bowlers have generally performed well in the IPL, there are still some areas that need improvement.
Pant saw his side slip to a 54 run defeat to the top side Punjab Kings, and have now lost three in a row and currently sit eighth in the IPL table. The LSG skipper pointed out that there were encouraging signs with the bat, and stressed the importance of taking positives from the game.
Lucknow’s season so far
LSG haven’t had the best of starts in this season’s IPL. They lost their first game to Delhi Capitals, then they won the next two against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders. However they have now lost three in a row to Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and yesterday’s defeat to Punjab Kings.
The game started well for LSG yesterday as they removed Prabhsimran Singh after three balls, but exceptional innings by Priyansh Arya (93) and Cooper Connolly (87)set the innings up for the final overs. Punjab ended on 254-7. With his two wickets, Prince Yadav moved into second in the hunt for the Purple Cap, the only bright spark in their bowling attack.
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“Difficult to point out one area”
Speaking after that loss, Pant said:
“It’s difficult to point out one area because bowlers have been putting up a nice show, but at the same time, there are areas of concern. But there were some positives for us also to work around.
“There was a glimpse of batting, which we talked about. Definitely look to take some positives, but at the same time, as a team, we’re going to do well every match.”
LSG made the bold decision to open up with youngster Ayush Badoni in place of Aiden Markram, who had scored 120 runs in the previous five games. Pant explained that promoting Badoni was a pre-planned decision trying to bring more freedom and intent at the top of the order. He said:
“I think the idea was to just go out there and play freely. It wasn’t taken just today. It was pre-decided that he’s going to open. It was just something we kept inside. We wanted some freedom on the top order, and just the middle order wanted to chip in.”
It worked to some extent. Badoni scored 35 off 21, and Markram, going in at five, scored 42 off 22. Pant himself scored 43 off 23 but some tight bowling from Punjab slowed down the run chase and ultimately won them the game.
Lucknow have to wait until Wednesday for their next game, a tough one against third place Rajasthan Royals, who themselves will want to get back to winning ways after back-to-back defeats.
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