Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) miserable campaign in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 continued after another crushing defeat, this time against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur. Despite posting a massive total on the board, LSG failed to defend it as RR chased down the target comfortably to hand the franchise its ninth loss of the season.
Following the defeat, LSG captain Rishabh Pant made a bold statement while backing his struggling side.
Rishabh Pant backs LSG despite another defeat
Speaking after the match, Pant admitted that Lucknow could have added a few more runs in the death overs while also acknowledging the difficulties bowlers faced on a batting-friendly wicket.
"In the middle overs, the way Archer bowled the last over was really good. Here we could have scored five or 10 more runs but we couldn't in the last over. You always want to back your bowlers but it's hard. On a wicket like this it's hard, and too many suggestions also doesn't work," Pant said.
The LSG skipper also highlighted the lack of experience in pressure situations but still strongly backed the quality of his squad despite the disappointing campaign.
"Experience is something you'll always miss, it takes years to get that. It always keeps you out for sure in pressure situation. Definitely the left-handers (to not bowl Shahbaz earlier), so we bowled Rathi and we didn't want to expose Shahbaz. I'm proud of the team regardless. It doesn't take away the fact that we're a f***ing good team," he added.
Also Read: Mitchell Marsh scripts historic IPL milestone, becomes first-ever LSG batter to...
RR overpower LSG despite Mitchell Marsh masterclass
After winning the toss, stand-in RR captain Yashasvi Jaiswal invited LSG to bat first. The opening pair of Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis gave Lucknow a flying start with a 109-run opening partnership in just nine overs.
Inglis smashed 60 off 29 balls, while Marsh narrowly missed out on a century after hammering 96 off 57 deliveries with 11 fours and five sixes. Rishabh Pant also chipped in with 35 off 23 as LSG posted a massive 220/5.
However, RR responded aggressively in the chase. Jaiswal blasted 43 off 23 before 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the show with a breathtaking 93 off just 38 balls and was declared man of the match for his impressive showing.
Dhruv Jurel remained unbeaten on 53, while Donovan Ferreira finished the game with a six as RR sealed a seven-wicket win with five balls to spare.