On Pant’s instructions, Shahbaz lunged outside off stump and David failed to get enough height. (Video frames) NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant’s tactical brilliance was one of the defining moments of Lucknow Super Giants’ thrilling nine-run (DLS) victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026 on Thursday night.Tim David threatened to take the game away from LSG during a thrilling chase in Lucknow, Pant was caught on camera giving animated instructions to spinner Shahbaz Ahmed moments before the breakthrough wicket.
Watch
Is everything wrong with Suryakumar Yadav’s wrist? | Exclusive visualsA viral video shared by Star Sports showed Pant gesticulating passionately behind the stumps as he advised Shahbaz on how to dismiss RCB’s dangerous finisher.“One can add the spring of the cord. One can also add the spring of this cord. Mixing it will make it better,” Pant was heard to say.The broadcaster captioned the video, “Captain calls it, Shahbaz delivers it! Rishabh Pant uses his spider to remove a dangerous looking Tim David.”The plan worked immediately.WATCH:
Shahbaz delivers on Pant’s instructions
David had already dropped Shahbaz for a six and was looking ominous in the middle alongside Krunal Pandya. The Australian batsman smashed 40 off just 17 balls, hammering four boundaries and three sixes to revive RCB’s chase.But on the very next delivery following Pant’s instructions, Shahbaz bowled a quick, straight delivery outside the off stump. David tried another aggressive cut but was unable to gain enough elevation.Digvesh Singh Rathi pounced on the backward point to complete a stunning overhead catch, sparking wild celebrations among the LSG players.
Vote
What excites you the most about IPL matches like the one between LSG and RCB?
The wicket proved to be one of the biggest turning points of the contest as RCB lost momentum in the death overs despite late resistance from Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd.Digvesh Rathi then held his nerve superbly in the final as LSG finally snapped their six-game losing streak and kept their fading playoff hopes alive.
