Lucknow Super Giants Struggle After Two Losses
The Lucknow Super Giants are feeling the impact of suffering two losses in three matches, leading to increased scrutiny over their new captain, Rishabh Pant. Acquired from the Delhi Capitals for a record-breaking INR 27 crore, Pant has yet to score even 17 runs in his first three outings. Team mentor Zaheer Khan responded to inquiries regarding Pant’s batting form by emphasizing the importance of supporting the captain amidst the pressure he faces.
“We must always find ways to support him as he is our captain. Everyone has high expectations, and I believe he will contribute as a player just as he excels as a leader,” Zaheer stated during the post-match press conference.
Zaheer was also critical of the pitch at their home ground following a significant loss to the Punjab Kings, suggesting that it resembled the work of the Punjab curator.
In their pursuit of 172 runs, the Punjab Kings capitalized on a 34-ball 69 from opener Prabhsimran Singh, outplaying LSG by eight wickets. The Super Giants now find themselves in sixth place, with only one victory from three matches and a negative net run rate.
“It was disappointing considering it was a home game. In the IPL, teams generally seek to leverage home advantage,” lamented Zaheer during the press interaction.
“The pitch did not seem designed with that in mind; it felt more like it was curated for Punjab rather than us,” he added, voicing concern that such conditions deny local fans the chance to see their team performing well.
Despite the setback, Zaheer expressed confidence in the team’s direction and emphasized a commitment to a process-oriented approach rather than focusing solely on outcomes, despite the recent defeat.
“It’s still early in the season, and we are dedicated to establishing a strong foundation. There will certainly be challenges ahead, but we will concentrate on the positives and remain focused on our goals,” he concluded.
