In a thrilling IPL 2026 clash at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday (April 26), Lucknow Super Giants Rishabh Pant put up a tremendous fightback to force a 155 all out draw against Kolkata Knight Riders only to fall behind in a dramatic Super Over.
KKR posted 155/7 in 20 overs, powered by Rinku Singh’s explosive 83* off 51 balls, which included four sixes in the final over. LSG replied with 155/8 with Pant top-scoring 42 off 38 to see the match out before a heartbreak in the Super Over. The skipper explained why Nicholas Pooran, who is currently out of form, was sent to bat in the extras.
Heartbroken: Nicholas Pooran has been released early
Super Over turned into pure drama right from the first ball. Rishabh Pant promoted Nicholas Pooran in the order despite his erratic form this season. The West Indian star was dismissed by Sunil Narine for 0 off 1. Pant was next in line to score 1 run before Narine removed Aiden Markram off the next delivery. LSG could only post 1/2 under par. KKR chased down the small target with ease as Rinku Singh smashed the first ball for four to seal a comfortable Super Over win and hand LSG their fifth straight defeat.
Rishabh Pant calls for a break and full responsibility of the team after the heavy loss
Rishabh Pant admitted that the pressure was mounting but called for a fresh start and collective responsibility from the entire team. He emphasized looking inward rather than blaming individuals.
“Look, I think we definitely need a break. I think we’re going to freshen up, there’s always pressure and it’s always going to be a pressure game, but at the same time, we’ve got to find the answers inside, not outside. And keep it simple, man. Just take responsibility, each and every guy. Like, it can’t be about one or two guys. It’s got to be about the whole unit, and a lot of people will definitely take responsibility.”
Trusting Nicholas Pooran in a do-or-die moment despite poor form
LSG’s bold call to send Nicholas Pooran into the Super Over remained one of the biggest talking points. Notably, Pooran managed just 82 runs in eight innings at a low strike rate of 81.19 in this IPL 2026.
“We had a discussion as a group, we discussed and the name was Nicky P. He may not have been in the best form of his life, but at the same time you have to trust your player in a difficult situation like this. They will come out well. So there are no excuses. I’m just looking at the positive, there may not be enough positives right now,” but I think there will definitely be enough positives after the break.
Why Rishabh Pant gave the last one to young Digvesh Rathi
Rishabh Pant also said that he handed over the 20th spot to young Digvesh Rathi. Rathi conceded 26 runs in that match, including four sixes by Rinku Singh, but Pant supported his decision.
“You see, there’s always a time in cricket when you can spin with a bit of bowling at the same time. But sometimes the bowlers get to the point of bowling difficult overs. And there will be a time when I have to give it to him in the middle overs because I was looking for a wicket. I just didn’t get one. That was the thought process behind it. And too many minds on the ground doesn’t make it easy,” Pant said.
