Rishabh Pant Discusses Batting Order Strategy and Mayank Yadav's Absence After IPL Defeat

Rishabh Pant Reflects on Lucknow Super Giants' Performance

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India] - April 23: Following an eight-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants' captain Rishabh Pant explained his decision to hold back in the batting lineup and addressed the ongoing absence of Mayank Yadav, who was listed as an impact substitute.

After Delhi Capitals' skipper Axar Patel opted to bowl first, Lucknow started strong with a rapid 87-run partnership between Aiden Markram (52) and Mitchell Marsh (45). However, after Markram's dismissal in the 10th over and a disappointing performance from Nicholas Pooran (9), many anticipated Pant would step in and deliver a flurry of runs.

Instead, Abdul Samad came to the crease, followed by David Miller and Ayush Badoni. Pant finally arrived with just two balls remaining in the innings, but his performance was lackluster. He missed his first delivery completely, and on the last ball, he attempted to switch his stance but ended up getting bowled for a duck, leaving LSG at a modest 159/6.

Speculation arose regarding Pant's late entry due to noticeable strapping on his hand during the toss. However, he clarified that the strategy was to 'capitalize' on the wicket's conditions. 'We sent Samad to take advantage of the wicket. After that, Miller came in, but we got stuck. We need to find our best combination moving forward,' he stated post-match.

Despite a promising start, LSG's innings faltered in the middle overs, falling short of a competitive total. Pant acknowledged, 'We knew we were about 20 runs short. The toss played a significant role here; the team bowling first benefits from the wicket.' Out of six matches played in Lucknow this season, the team winning the toss has triumphed in five.

While Pant admitted the toss's influence, he emphasized that the team isn't making excuses. 'In Lucknow, the second innings usually offers better batting conditions, and that's part of the game,' he remarked.

As the season progresses, Lucknow continues to miss the young fast bowler Mayank Yadav. Pant mentioned that they are exploring ways to integrate him into the lineup. 'We are trying to find opportunities for Mayank to gain some game time early in the season,' he explained.

After suffering their fourth defeat, Pant conveyed a motivational message for his team: 'I haven't thought about anything yet; we just finished the match. We will regroup, realign, and refocus for the next game, approaching it with a fresh mindset.'