At a glance
- Lucknow Super Giants suffer fifth straight loss after Super Over collapse against Kolkata Knight Riders
- Rishabh Pant calls for break and accountability as LSG fall to bottom of IPL 2026 table
- Rinku Singh stars with 83 not out as KKR seal dramatic win in Lucknow
Lucknow Super Giants are in urgent need of a reset after another painful defeat in the Indian Premier League, with captain Rishabh Pant calling for a break following a dramatic Super Over loss to Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.
The result, played at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, extended LSG’s losing streak to five matches and left them rooted to the bottom of the table with six defeats from eight games.
Kolkata posted 155 for 7 in 20 overs, a total that looked unlikely at 93 for 7 before a stunning late surge. Lucknow matched it with 155 for 6, forcing a Super Over that unravelled into chaos as they stumbled to just 1 for 2, the lowest Super Over score in IPL history.
The current slump has not come without warning. Just days earlier, Pant had already acknowledged underlying issues within the side, admitting there were “areas of concern” despite some positives in their performances . Those concerns have now sharpened into a full blown crisis as results continue to slip away.
The turning point came earlier when Rinku Singh produced a counter attacking 83 not out from 51 balls, striking 7 fours and 5 sixes to lift Kolkata from the brink. Lucknow’s reply stayed alive thanks to a last ball six from Mohammed Shami, but the decisive moment exposed their fragile form.
Super Over Heartbreak Defines Lucknow’s Night
Speaking to the host broadcaster after the match, Pant did not shy away from the pressure surrounding his side. He emphasised the need for collective responsibility and a mental reset as the tournament progresses.
“We definitely need a break I think we are going to get refreshed. There is always pressure and it is going to be a pressure game always but at the same time we have to look for answers inside not outside and just keep it simple.
“Just take accountability each and every guy it cannot be about one or two guys. It has to be about the whole unit and a lot of people will take accountability for that for sure.”
Pant also explained the thinking behind sending Nicholas Pooran into the Super Over despite his recent dip in form, underlining the importance of backing players in high pressure moments.
“We had a discussion as a group and the name that came up was Nicholas Pooran. He might not go through the best form of his life but at the same time you will trust your player in a hard situation like this.”
Even amid the slump, Pant struck a note of cautious optimism about what a short break could bring.
“There might not be enough positives right now but I think after the break there will be a lot of positives for sure.”
Rahane Backs Belief and Experience
Kolkata skipper Ajinkya Rahane, speaking to the host broadcaster, credited his side’s familiarity with the surface and their composure in the closing stages.
“The way we played after the 16 overs Rinku’s innings was amazing. That last over and getting the momentum to our side was amazing.
“We played Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy here and the soil was similar. We thought 160 to 170 would be a good total.”
Rahane also praised his bowlers for seizing key moments, highlighting how one breakthrough shifted the balance.
“We knew one wicket would change the game for us. Sunil Narine was the option and hitting spinners to the long boundary was not easy. Kartik Tyagi has been really good Vaibhav Arora as well.”
Rinku Delivers a Match Winning Masterclass
Rinku Singh, who was named Player of the Match, told the host broadcaster that his focus was on taking responsibility after early wickets had fallen.
“When I went into bat four wickets had fallen so I kept thinking how I can go about it and I have to take the game till the end. Since we had lost four wickets it was about keeping the scoreboard moving and put the loose balls away.”
In addition to his unbeaten 83, Rinku contributed four catches and calmly struck the winning runs in the Super Over, capping a performance that underlined his growing stature.
For Lucknow, the numbers tell a worrying story, but Pant’s words suggest a team still searching for belief. For Kolkata, this was a victory shaped by resilience, awareness of conditions and one extraordinary innings that turned the match on its head. See who each side will face next with the full IPL fixtures.
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