Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant (ANI Photo) It was another disappointment for Rishabh Pant as the Lucknow Super Giants skipper once again failed in the chase against Rajasthan Royals.Pant was dismissed for a three-ball duck and fell to Nandré Burger in the very second over early in the innings. The elimination reflected the pressure situation LSG found themselves in after an early setback.Burger delivered a long ball just outside at 142.7 km/h. Pant, after going down the track first in the previous deliveries, attempted a wild shot over the line as he went down on one knee. All he managed was a weak edge at the back, with Dhruv Jurel completing a simple catch. It was an ill-advised shot from the LSG skipper at a time when composure was needed.
Watch
Varun Aaron on team performance and key momentsPant’s early exit came right after another shot. In the final ball of the first match, Ayush Badoni was dismissed for a duck in a mix-up with Mitchell Marsh. Attempting a non-existent single, Badoni was sent back too late and substitute fielder Ravi Singh hit the stumps right at the keeper’s end to be caught at short.Chasing a modest target of 159, LSG were rocked in the first two overs, losing two crucial batting runs without scoring. The early collapse only added to the pressure on the middle order.Earlier in the match, LSG’s all-India bowling unit did an excellent job to restrict Rajasthan to 159 for 6. Mohammed Shami led the charge with 2 for 30, removing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jurel in consecutive deliveries, while Mohsin Khan was equally effective with 2 for 17, including the crucial wicket of Vaaryaihav.Prince Yadav also chipped in with two wickets as the LSG bowlers dominated proceedings with disciplined lines and a high score.Despite this strong bowling effort, Pant’s failure at the top of the chase has put another spotlight on his form, especially as LSG look to stop a losing streak and turn their campaign around.
