Rishabh Pant's Stellar Performance Falls Short as LSG Misses Playoffs

Pant's Unbeaten Century Not Enough for LSG

In a remarkable display during the IPL 2025 season, Rishabh Pant scored an impressive 118 runs off 61 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, his outstanding performance could not lead the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to victory in their final league match. Despite setting a formidable target of 227 runs, LSG was unable to defend it as RCB successfully chased it down in just 18.4 overs, securing their spot in the Qualifiers.

Reflecting on the Season

After the match, Pant acknowledged that LSG's season was marred by their inability to maintain momentum throughout both innings. He stated,

"Ultimately, you need to play well for all 40 overs; 20 overs won't suffice in T20 cricket, and that's been our narrative this season."

Pant's Determination to Succeed

Despite facing challenges earlier in the season, Pant expressed his commitment to capitalize on good starts. He remarked,

"I felt good in every match, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Today, I focused on converting my start into a significant score, just like seasoned players do; learning from the best is crucial—whenever you get a start, aim to make it substantial."

Injuries and Inconsistency Impact LSG

While Pant's individual achievement was noteworthy, he recognized that LSG's overall performance was hindered by injuries and inconsistency. The team's bowlers, particularly the younger players, struggled under pressure, allowing RCB to score 230 runs with several mistakes. Pant explained,

"Injuries were a significant concern before the tournament, and that impacted us throughout the season."

Strategic Changes in Batting Approach

Discussing his improved batting technique, Pant shared insights into his strategy:

"I focused on how the bowlers would approach this wicket, aiming to hit straight and play through the line. I kept it simple, looking for gaps and maintaining intensity with each ball throughout the innings."

Positive Takeaways Despite Disappointment

Despite the team's disappointing end to the season, Pant highlighted some standout bowling performances. He noted,

"There were some exceptional bowling displays, including those from Digvesh Rathi and Avesh Khan. Although we had opportunities, we couldn't sustain them long enough, which ultimately cost us matches."