Rishabh Pant's struggles continue as LSG suffer fifth straight loss in 2026

Lucknow Super Giants fell to their fifth consecutive defeat after a promising start against Mumbai Indians, with Rishabh Pant unable to deliver despite brief flashes of brilliance.

LSG's early promise fades quickly Rishabh Pant had hoped a break would help Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bounce back after their fifth straight loss, this time to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). When they faced Mumbai Indians (MI) after a week’s rest, a powerful start suggested the break had worked. Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis set the tone early, while Nicholas Pooran, batting at number three for the first time this season, smashed a rapid 63 off 21 balls with eight sixes, propelling LSG to 90 for 1 in the powerplay and raising hopes of a 250-plus total. ## Momentum lost as MI fight back But as has often happened this season, LSG’s surge was short-lived. Corbin Bosch struck twice in the ninth over to remove Marsh and Pooran, and Pant, who survived a crucial review on the first ball, managed only 15 off ten deliveries with a six and a scoop before falling. His dismissal marked another brief innings in a campaign where he has struggled to deliver consistently. Rohit and Ryan Rickelton then powered MI to a crucial win over LSG, who remain anchored at the bottom of the table. ## Pant's season a series of unfulfilled expectations Pant has been central to LSG’s batting struggles this season, scoring 204 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 128.30. His highest score, an unbeaten 68 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), was often scrappy, and even in a chase against Punjab Kings (PBKS) where he hit four sixes, his innings stalled before he fell for 43 off 23. Against KKR, he made 42 off 38 but failed to accelerate as LSG collapsed from 78 for 3 to 148 for 8 and lost in a Super Over. His inconsistency mirrors last season’s 269 runs in 14 games, including 118 in a dead rubber, highlighting his unreliable returns. ## Coach backs Pant despite mounting criticism LSG head coach Justin Langer dismissed concerns over Pant’s form, pointing to his strong showing in a practice game two days before the MI match, where he scored 95 off 30-40 balls. He praised Pant’s adaptability, noting how the batter willingly moved down the order to accommodate Pooran. Langer emphasized that Pant remains a match-winner and a key leader, carrying the team’s expectations with resilience. He acknowledged the pressure but expressed confidence that Pant would deliver soon, urging patience as the side aims for a turnaround in the coming games. ## Leadership and expectations under the microscope Pant’s dual role as batter and captain has drawn scrutiny over his high price tag, leadership, and the burden of expectations. Langer dismissed financial concerns, calling leadership a tough challenge where Pant carries significant pressure with a positive attitude most of the time. He highlighted Pant’s match-winning performance earlier in the season and his cheerful demeanor, even during tough moments. Langer stressed that Pant is working hard and remains a vital part of the team’s plans, despite the recent setbacks. ## LSG's batting collapses despite strong start LSG’s innings began with promise but ultimately fell short, ending at 228 despite aiming for 250-plus. Jasprit Bumrah’s over was marred by a no-ball, wide, and overstep, yet he still conceded only seven runs in nine balls. Markram and Himmat threatened with a few sixes, but disciplined spells from Bumrah and Deepak Chahar, who hit yorkers effectively, stifled the chase. Pant told broadcasters that LSG were short by 10-15 runs on a batting-friendly pitch, conceding that MI bowled well under the conditions. ## Coach praises bowling despite batting woes Justin Langer commended the bowlers for their efforts, especially during MI’s late surge. He noted that LSG’s intent was up but lost momentum after a few key wickets, while praising Bumrah and Chahar’s final two overs. Langer admitted that MI’s disciplined bowling limited LSG’s scoring opportunities, with Chahar’s last over described as magnificent. The performance reflected a batting unit that occasionally sparkles but consistently fails to capitalize on strong starts. ## LSG's top-order inconsistency exposed again Beyond Pooran’s brilliant 63, LSG have lacked standout contributions from their top order this season, with Mukul Choudhary’s 54 not out off 27 in a win against KKR being one of the rare highlights. Mukul did not play in the MI match and was not part of the impact players’ list. The side entered the contest hoping a break would reset their campaign, but another familiar pattern emerged—moments of brilliance followed by collective failure. With the team now closer to a point of no return, Pant’s leadership and batting form remain under intense scrutiny.