Pant said the team should take a short break to refresh, stressing calm execution, pressure handling, and collective accountability over individuals
Lucknow
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant called for collective accountability after his side’s heartbreaking Super Over defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2026 clash. The match at Ekana Stadium produced the first Super Over of the season, ending in a dramatic finish that left LSG stunned and bottom of the table.
In a tense chase of 156, LSG finished at 155, with Mohammed Shami striking a six off the final ball to force the tie. In the Super Over, they batted first but could manage only one run while losing two wickets as Sunil Narine dismissed Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram in quick succession.
Pant said the team needed a break to refresh and return stronger, stressing that pressure is constant in the IPL but execution and calmness are key. He urged players to take collective responsibility rather than relying on individual performances.
The LSG skipper also explained the decision to send Nicholas Pooran in the Super Over despite his poor form, saying the team backed him in a high-pressure situation and trusted his ability to deliver when it mattered most.
He admitted there were no excuses for the defeat and acknowledged the lack of positives in the current phase, but expressed confidence that the team will bounce back strongly after the short break.
KKR posted 155 for 7, recovering from 93 for 7 thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 83 from Rinku Singh off 51 balls. Mohsin Khan’s five for 23 kept LSG in control early, but late hitting pushed KKR to a fighting total.
Chasing the target, LSG lost early wickets including Mitchell Marsh cheaply, while Rishabh Pant and Aiden Markram attempted to rebuild with cautious batting. However, regular strikes in the middle overs derailed their momentum and left them under pressure.
In the Super Over, LSG collapsed for just one run as Narine struck twice to seal the contest. Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary on the first ball, handing KKR a thrilling win and pushing LSG to the bottom of the IPL 2026 standings reflecting intense competition in IPL 2026.
