Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: After Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) suffered a five-wicket defeat to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), skipper Rishabh Pant admitted that the lack of partnerships and issues with bowling during the powerplay were key reasons behind the loss.
Despite scoring a fighting half-century, Pant’s individual effort wasn’t enough as CSK snapped their five-match losing streak on Monday at the Ekana Stadium.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Pant addressed the challenges his team faced both with the bat and ball.
“We feel that as a team we were 10 to 15 runs short, we kept losing wickets when the momentum was with us. We had to keep stitching in partnerships. The wicket was stopping a bit, but we could have got 15 runs more, I feel. I am feeling better with each and every game, but sometimes it does not come off.”
On his own batting form, he added:
“Slowly getting into my rhythm, taking every match at a time.”
Discussing LSG’s bowling performance, Pant acknowledged a recurring issue:
“Bowling in the powerplay has been a concern for us, but we can pull things back. As a team, we are looking to take the positives from each and every game, and we are trying to improve.”
Match Summary:
Also SEE : MS Dhoni’s Heroics Seal Thrilling Win For CSK Against Lucknow Super Giants
CSK, having won the toss, opted to bowl first. LSG’s innings didn’t get the desired momentum apart from a 50-run partnership between Mitchell Marsh (30 off 25) and Rishabh Pant. Pant stood out with a composed knock of 63 from 49 balls, including four fours and four sixes. He also added 53 runs in a late partnership with Abdul Samad (20 off 11), helping LSG reach 166/7 in their 20 overs.
Ravindra Jadeja (2/24) and Matheesha Pathirana (2/45) were the key wicket-takers for CSK.
CSK’s chase began on a strong note with a 52-run opening stand between debutant Shaikh Rasheed (27 off 19) and Rachin Ravindra (37 off 22). The team found themselves in trouble at 111/5 after 15 overs, but a composed finish by Shivam Dube (43* off 37) and MS Dhoni (26* off 11) sealed the win with three balls to spare.
Despite the win, CSK still find themselves at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table with just two victories in seven matches. LSG, meanwhile, have dropped to fourth after suffering their third defeat.
MS Dhoni was named Player of the Match for his finishing heroics.