Rishabh Pant did not hold back while assessing Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) disappointing IPL 2026 campaign after their playoff hopes officially ended following a five-wicket defeat against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday.
Despite posting a massive total of 203/8 on the board, LSG failed to defend the target as Chennai Super Kings completed the chase in 19.2 overs. The loss marked Lucknow’s eighth defeat in 11 matches, ending their chances of qualifying for the IPL 2026 playoffs.
Pant openly admitted that poor fielding and dropped catches proved costly in a must-win encounter for the franchise.
Rishabh Pant blames dropped catches after crushing defeat to CSK
Lucknow Super Giants looked in complete control after a sensational innings from Josh Inglis helped them cross the 200-run mark at Chepauk. Inglis smashed a breathtaking 85-run knock and gave LSG a flying start during the powerplay.
However, Chennai Super Kings responded aggressively in the chase, thanks largely to a destructive innings from Urvil Patel, who hammered 65 runs off just 23 balls.
Speaking during the post-match presentation, Pant admitted that Lucknow had enough runs on the board but failed to capitalise due to sloppy fielding efforts.
"It was a great game. Everything was coming up nicely. We knew we would be put under pressure in the powerplay. When you come to Chennai, that is the kind of cricket you expect," Pant said.
"Felt there was enough on the board. Fielding standards have to be up there, too many dropped catches. Urvil played a fantastic and unbelievable knock, like Inglis did for us. The team showed character to come back."
Pant also revealed that LSG were aiming for a bigger total after their explosive start but failed to fully capitalise during the middle overs.
"The way we started, we would have liked to have more. We knew 200-210 would be a good target. They got off to a flier but we knew it was getting difficult after the powerplay," he added.
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LSG’s bowling decisions also come under scrutiny
Apart from the fielding lapses, Lucknow’s tactical decisions during the final overs also attracted attention. Defending 10 runs in the final over, Pant handed the ball to Aiden Markram instead of Shahbaz Ahmed.
The move backfired as Shivam Dube smashed two crucial sixes to seal the game for Chennai Super Kings.
Pant explained that the team trusted Markram’s experience in pressure situations.
"That came to mind, but it was a tough call to have. We needed to back someone. Aiden Markram has done it a lot of times. That is why we believe in every individual," Pant stated.
Meanwhile, Player of the Match Urvil Patel credited the CSK coaching staff and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for keeping his approach simple during the high-pressure chase.
"The coaches told me to hold my shape and hit the ball well. Rutu just told me that the wicket is a little low and to be ready for it. He did not say a lot, and just asked me to play the way I did," Urvil said.
The defeat now leaves Lucknow Super Giants with only pride to play for in their remaining matches, while Chennai Super Kings continue to keep their playoff hopes alive with a massive victory at Chepauk.